AllOutdoor Preview – Old Town Discovery 158 Canoe

Final month, I had the pleasure of visiting the Previous City Canoe Manufacturing facility in Previous City, Maine. It was an excellent tour with numerous cool stuff to have a look at, and my information Ryan, was extremely educated about all the pieces watercraft. After just a few paddles on the water, I wished to present my first impressions and a brief preview piece for you all on the Previous City Discovery 158 Canoe. A overview shall be coming later this 12 months on the Previous City Discovery 158 Canoe, so keep tuned for that!

Watercraft Protection on AllOutdoor

For over three a long time, the Previous City Discovery 158 has been a staple on the planet of paddling, incomes its fame as one of the crucial dependable and versatile canoes available on the market. As somebody who’s spent numerous hours on rivers and lakes, I’ve seen my share of watercraft, however few have the enduring attraction of this rugged, family-friendly canoe. Whether or not you’re planning a weekend tenting journey, a fishing expedition, or a solo paddle down a lazy river, the Discovery 158 is understood for its sturdiness, stability, and efficiency.

Design and Development

The Previous City Discovery 158 is crafted with a three-layer polyethylene hull, an indicator of its legendary toughness. This building, sometimes called Polylink 3, consists of a foam core sandwiched between two layers of polyethylene, making a buoyant, impact-resistant shell. At 15 toes 8 inches lengthy and 35.5 inches large, the canoe weighs roughly 87 kilos, which is heavier than composite options however a good commerce for its sturdiness. I’ve heard tales of Discovery 158s surviving a long time of tough use—bouncing off rocks in whitewater, enduring scrapes on rocky shores, and nonetheless floating robust.

The hull’s shallow arch backside and reasonable rocker present a steadiness of preliminary stability and maneuverability. This design makes the canoe forgiving for newcomers whereas responsive sufficient for knowledgeable paddlers. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that the Discovery 158 lacks robust secondary stability, that means it could really feel much less safe when leaned aggressively throughout sharp turns.

Options

The Discovery 158 is outfitted with options that prioritize performance and luxury. Its two nylon-webbed seats are UV-resistant, breathable, and constructed to face up to years of publicity to the weather. Throughout a latest paddle, I seen how these seats stored us comfy even after hours on the water, permitting air to flow into and stopping that sticky, sweaty feeling. The ash carrying yoke and thwart add rigidity to the hull whereas doubling as sturdy portage aids. I do want there was some padding on the yoke however that’s a minor challenge. The molded carrying handles on the bow and stern are a godsend when hauling the 87-pound canoe to and from the water, although solo portaging is usually a problem due to the burden. With a usable weight capability of 1,063 kilos (complete capability 1,150 kilos), this canoe can deal with two paddlers plus substantial gear.

Efficiency

What units the Discovery 158 aside is its skill to carry out throughout a variety of circumstances. It’s agile sufficient for solo paddling, secure for tandem use, and difficult sufficient for whitewater, although it’s not a devoted whitewater canoe. On flatwater lakes, it glides easily, and its stability makes it an excellent platform for fishing. I hope to have extra to report on as soon as I get some extra time with the 158 quickly.

Drawbacks

The first disadvantage is the burden. At 87 kilos, the Discovery 158 is a beast to portage solo, particularly for smaller or much less skilled paddlers. Even shopping for it in fairly good condition, I battle to hold this factor over my head for lengthy with out an additional cushion on the yoke.

Should you’re planning lengthy carries, take into account a lighter composite or Royalex canoe, although they arrive at a better worth. Moreover, extended solar publicity can degrade the polyethylene over a long time, particularly if saved outdoor. I’ve gone forward and ordered a bag that the 158 will be saved in after I’m not utilizing it, so the solar gained’t destroy it.

Worth and Legacy

Priced round $1,400 new, the Discovery 158 is a stable funding, backed by Previous City’s lifetime guarantee. Used fashions, like a 1991 model noticed for $300, is usually a steal if in good situation, as canoes maintain their worth properly. For over 30 years, this mannequin has been a bestseller, and it’s straightforward to see why. Its mixture of sturdiness, versatility makes it a long-term funding for anybody who enjoys being outdoors on the lake or river.

Ultimate Ideas

The Previous City Discovery 158 is poised to be a time-tested workhorse that excels in sturdiness and flexibility. I’ve been having fun with mine lots thus far and may’t wait to get it again out on the water for extra adventures later this summer season and with a full overview coming quickly!

Patrik Orcutt

Patrik is a contract photographer who has been fortunate sufficient to see lots of the world and doc his travels together with his digital camera. He has labored for the U.S. authorities as a Public Affairs Officer documenting Multi-Nationwide Particular Forces Coaching across the World. He’s at the moment engaged on turning into a Blackhawk Pilot for the Military whereas being an avid gear junky and outside fanatic.