FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

HULL EXTERIOR: Wash with mild soap and water. You can also use Murphy's Oil Soap. To beautify, we suggest a vinyl protectant product such as Armor All®, 303 Products or Pledge. These are safe for use on any of our Polyethylene, Superlinear, Royalex® and Fiberglass canoes or kayaks.

We do not recommend waxing your hull with a paste wax, such as most car waxes. The wax fills in any scratches or gouges, then dries to a white color, making the damage more apparent.

HULL INTERIOR: Wash with mild soap and water. We DO NOT recommend using any of the above products or polishes on the interior, as the floor of your boat may become slippery.

CANOES: Always store upside-down, even overnight. If at all possible, set on sawhorses or blocks, as this will allow the gunwales to carry the weight. Consult our Canoe Storage Guide for model-specific storage techniques. 

KAYAKS: Should be stored deck-side down on padded supports about 30% of the kayak's overall length from the ends. If stored outside we recommend a cockpit cover to prevent the possibility of water getting inside. Read our Kayak Storage Guide for more information. 

If you must store your canoe or kayak outside, we recommend you tie it down, as strong winds can catch the underside, flip it, and cause damage. Also, ultraviolet light from the sun may fade the color over time; if possible, store your boat out of the sun. If stored outside, do not cover with a tarp laid directly on the boat, as the heat of the sun will create an oven under the tarp that can damage, distort or discolor the hull. A tarp properly suspended above the boat will protect it from ultraviolet light. Simply leave sufficient space to allow for air circulation.

No, salt water will not damage your canoe or kayak or any of its components with brief exposure. However, if you are using your boat frequently in salt water, it should be rinsed down after every use to avoid discoloration or corrosion of components.

You should choose your canoe paddle based on your height and seat position. In the bow position, you want a paddle that measures from the floor to the middle of your chest. In the stern you need more length to assist in steering, so your paddle should stand up to the height of your collarbone.

For a kayak paddle, consider the boat width, as well as the paddler's torso length and paddling style. Longer paddles are better suited to taller people, wider kayaks and a more relaxed style of paddling; shorter paddles match up better with shorter people, narrower kayaks and a more vertical style of paddling.

Choosing between a wood or synthetic paddle is a matter of personal preference as well as intended use. Our wood paddles are more aesthetically pleasing, have a nicer feel in the water and of course are more traditional. On the other hand, our synthetic paddles are more durable and will work great as a general utility paddle.

Download our Scupper Fit Guide to see which scupper stoppers and scupper valves fit your sit on top kayak.

If you need new decals for your Old Town canoe or kayak, first check with your local dealer to see if they carry these items. If not, please email customer service and request the decals you are looking for. Our Old Town canoe decals are available in our online store - click here.

You can download a PDF version of the owner's manual or use our contact form and we can mail one out to you.

In order to get a duplicate Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) you should contact the dealer from whom you purchased the canoe or kayak. If for some reason you cannot reach them (you have moved, or the dealer is no longer in business, etc.), email customer service with your request.

You can find the serial number for your canoe or kayak on the back cover of the Owner's Manual included with your boat. The serial number is also located on each boat as follows.

• On kayaks the serial number is located approximately 6" from the stern on the starboard side of the boat (the right-hand side of a boat when you are facing the front front).
• On canoes the serial number is located up to 12" from the stern on the starboard side of the boat. The serial number on a wood canoe is stamped on the stem which is located on the inside of the boat at the bow and stern.

If a serial number that is etched into the boat is difficult to read, take a rubbing of the number by placing a piece of paper over the number and rubbing a crayon or pencil until the serial number can be seen on the paper. The above instructions are also available with photos in the following PDF file: OT Serial Number Location.pdf

Due to potential hull damage and wear points that can be caused to scuppers during use, Old Town does not recommend the use of kayak scupper carts. Old Town recommends the use of cradle-style and other strap-style kayak carts.

Size and fit are very important when it comes to the performance of a life jacket. Please view our Life Jacket Size Chart to determine which size best fits your body. We always recommend entering a paddle shop where an expert can help you find a proper-fitting life jacket.

Your paddle size depends on several factors, including paddler height, boat width, and paddle stoke style. Please view this paddle size chart to help find the best length for you. We always recommend talking to an expert in your local paddle shop for the best advice. 

The Minn Kota battery chargers sold on www.oldtowncanoe.com are covered by Minn Kota's 3-Year Limited Warranty. For more information on the warranty and to file a claim, please visit Minn Kota's Warranty page or contact the Minn Kota Technical Service Group. 

The Malone transportation products offered for sale on www.oldtowncanoe.com are covered by Malone's warranty program. To learn more or file a claim, please visit Malone's Warranty page. 

Old Town Pre-Trip Safety Checklist

Pre-Trip Safety Checklist  - Read the Full Article

• Check the local weather forecast for the area and timeframe of your trip. 
• Communicate your trip plan before every outing. Let people know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. 
• Always wear a PFD and carry a paddle. 
• Equipment Check – all watercraft 
  • Drain plug is closed 
  • Hatches are closed and secured 
  • Seat is secured to watercraft 
  • Accessories mounted on accessory tracks are secured 
• Equipment Check – pedal and powered watercraft 
  • Propeller is free from debris and prop hardware is secured 
  • Rudder deployment and steering functions correctly 
  • All rudder hardware has been inspected and tightened for proper operation 
• Equipment Check – powered watercraft 
  • Battery level is sufficient for trip 
  • Battery plugs and terminals are free from debris and corrosion 
  • Battery plugs and outlets are properly greased 
  • Battery connections are clean and tightened 
  • Battery is installed properly and secured to watercraft 
    • Visit www.oldtowncanoe.com/batteries for more information 
  • Test power or pedal drive functionality on land before taking out on the water 
• Items to Carry (and know how to use) *Always check local regulations for watercraft safety requirements in your area. 
  • Sponge or bilge pump 
  • Tow line 
  • Dry bag (with extra water, food, sunscreen, etc.) 
  • Knife and basic hand tools 
  • First-aid kit  
  • Basic parts or repair kit (prop, prop pins, kill switch keys) 
  • Spare paddle 
  • Paddle float (or other rescue aid for kayaking)  
  • Throwable floatation device (for canoeing) 
  • Rope bag (for canoeing) 
  • Flares* 
  • VHF Radio* 
  • Airhorn/whistle* 
  • Navigation lighting* 

Your craft is made of recyclable high density polyethylene (HDPE), but is typically unable to just go out with your curbside recycling. Please contact your local recycling center for specific instructions, but in general, we recommend cutting the boat into smaller chunks and removing all accessories, including screws, webbing, wiring, and foam.

If your watercraft no longer suits your needs but is in working order, you can likely donate or sell it. In many situations, repairs are possible and relatively straightforward to perform. Call us at 800-343-1555 if you have questions about repairs. If your watercraft is no longer functional, please contact your local recycling center to understand how they can accept the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material. A leaky canoe also makes a great outdoor raised garden bed!

Call Old Town Canoe Co. at (207) 827-5514 or (800) 343-1555 and request to speak to Customer Service, or email customer service. Your serial number will be required, which is typically located at the stern end of the canoe. A research fee may be applied. (NOTE: We are unable to research histories for boats built from the mid-eighties through the present since detailed records are not available for newer boats.)

Factory installed roof racks and reputable aftermarket racks can be padded for scratch prevention. Be aware of roof rack weight ratings, and make sure you have the correct rack for your canoe. Whichever type of carrier you use, be sure to tie 2 belly straps and front and rear guide ropes for stability when transporting your canoe.

While some Old Town canoes are designed to handle up to 5 horsepower motors, we generally recommend that motors on traditional double ended canoes be limited to 3 hp. Please refer to this site or our catalog for model-specific information.

You can use either a motor mount or sidesaddle motor mount. Both of these motor mounts are available here.

Many people prefer to use skid plates in order to prevent scratches and wearing down of the entry points at the bow and stern. Skid Plates kits are sold here. For instructions on how to install, please refer to our "Installation Instructions" on the product page or product manual page.

Please consult our Canoe Storage Guide for model-specific storage techniques. 

Feel free to call us at (207) 827-5514 or (800) 343-1555 for our free 12 page wood/canvas canoe repair brochure, or use our online contact form. Another excellent reference is "The Wood & Canvas Canoe" by Jerry Stelmok and Rollin Thurlow. Old Town wooden canoe parts, hardware and supplies for restoration or repair can be found at Island Falls Canoe. 

Cane and spline for repairing cane seats are sold online at Island Falls Canoe. 

In storage, Royalex boats sometimes develop mildew on them. Also, Royalex boats have been known to have processing oils migrate up out of the plastic when exposed to repeating cycles of temperature extremes. These oils were in the plastic solely to aid in the original manufacture of the Royalex sheet. Losing them actually makes the Royalex tougher. The following procedure gives good results for both causes of sticky Royalex:

1. DO THIS PROCEDURE EITHER OUTDOORS OR IN A VERY WELL VENTILATED AREA.
2. Wipe the sticky surface with denatured alcohol. This type of alcohol can usually be bought at a paint supply store, and may be marked as painter's alcohol, ethyl alcohol or denatured alcohol. DO NOT use rubbing alcohol.
3. Use rubber or latex gloves. Saturate a soft cloth with the alcohol and wipe using fairly long even strokes. Turn the cloth often so as not to use the same area over and over. The alcohol will evaporate quickly so you will not have to wipe dry.
4. If you still have some sticky areas, just wipe over again.

CAUTION: These alcohols are extremely poisonous if ingested. Please store them in a safe place away from children. 

No, the width of the kayak is more directly related to stability than its length. In general, a wider craft is a bit slower but more stable, and the better choice for fisherman and photographers. For those looking to go long distances with efficiency and speed, a longer kayak is preferred. For more information view our kayak buying guide. 

If your kayak does not come with foot braces or if you only have one set in your tandem kayak, then you may want a Foot Brace Kit, which can be found under accessories.

Some people prefer the slightly increased buoyancy that float bags can give their kayak, but they are not a necessity.

Old Town does not recommend such a custom modification and we do not offer a retrofit kit. Please note that modifying the kayak in such a way could negate its warranty. In order to add a second seat, one would have to remove the solo seat arrangement and replace it with the Twin Otter seat set-up. However, installing the two seats will interfere with use of the cargo net and work deck, as well as foot pedals.

No - the foam in the materials used to make the kayak throws off the transducer. so it will give a false reading. We recommend using a transducer that suctions to the bottom of the kayak.

Due to potential hull damage and wear points that can be caused to scuppers during use, Old Town does not recommend the use of kayak scupper carts. Old Town recommends the use of cradle-style and other strap-style kayak carts.

Download our Scupper Fit Guide to see which scupper stoppers and scupper valves fit your sit on top kayak.