Description

The Penobscot 174 is the longest model in Old Town’s Penobscot canoe series. Built for serious trippers, large-load paddling, and extended adventures, it combines durability, capacity, and tracking performance. Even when heavily loaded, it glides well, tracks straight, and handles large expanses of water. If you want one canoe that can carry you, gear, and maybe a dog or two, the Penobscot 174 is built for that.

Features & Construction

• Seating & Woodwork: Nylon web seats, an ash yoke, and thwart for carrying, with classic wood‐webbed comfort.

• Gunwales & Thwarts: Aluminum (anodized) or silver-finish gunwales to maintain rigidity; ash or vinyl-faced decks with grab handles for easy lift/carry.

• Handles & Portability Aids: Large carrying handles at bow and stern; center yoke connects to shoulders for solo portage.

• Durability: The three-layer polyethylene plastic is well known for excellent toughness — resists impacts, abrasion, UV, and general wear. Especially good for rugged routes, rocky lakeshores, rapids, etc.

Performance & Handling

• Tracking / Glide: The long waterline and sharp bow entry help the Penobscot 174 cut through water efficiently; good forward tracking under paddle power.

• Stability: With its sizable beam and straight sides, it offers good initial stability, especially when loaded—good for fishing, photo gear, camping supplies, pets or extra paddlers.

• Loaded vs Unloaded: When lighter and unladen, you’ll notice some slack (more waterline exposure), but with gear, this boat settles nicely and performs well. Many users report excellent load carrying with this model.

• Solo Use: Because of its length and weight, paddling solo can be more challenging—requires good technique, using both seats or repositioning yourself. Also, wind or current may push bow or stern depending on gear placement.

Ideal Use Cases & Audience

This canoe is ideal for:

• Family trippers, multi-day camping, lake cruising, open water touring.

• Anyone needing large gear capacity — dogs, coolers, fishing gear, camera equipment.

• Paddlers who value durability and toughness over ultralight weight.

• Recreationists who paddle in lakes, slow rivers, or nearshore lines (non-ocean surf).

• Those willing to invest in transport and handling aids to manage the size and weight.