Before I say another word, I can’t find a locally owned business that sells Old Town canoes, otherwise I’d be considering them.
I have been eyeballing a canoe at Dick’s (an Old Town square stern canoe) that would be perfect for us. The one up here in Summerville has assured me that they can order it at any time.
I called them this past Monday to see if they still had it available, and they did. I went Thursday to order it, and corporate had blocked them from ordering any boats of any sort (kayaks, etc), and they do not carry this canoe in their store stock in the winter.
I called their corporate office on Friday, and they confirmed that they had put a two week block on their stores ordering canoes/kayaks/boats of any kind.
So now, here I am with a 4-year old that has been saving his nickels that he earns doing chores to help me “pay” for the boat (maybe $5 worth), and I’ve been telling him we’re getting a new canoe for Christmas.
Now, we aren’t. At least, not from Dicks, and I can’t find that canoe anywhere else in this area. I’ve seen a few on Craigslist, but they either want way too much for it (wanting the same thing it costs new) or it’s in bad shape.
Dick’s is very secretive of their corporate office. It’s hard to find their corporate numbers and addresses. I have them now, and have called corporate, and all they want to do is give you a sterile “I apologize”.
Yep. In the good ole days when they were more concerned with customer service they were known as… Richard’s
Lol, I bet so. Definitely living up to their name.
Let me also say that I have no beef whatsoever with any of the local stores or employees. The corporate office is the one doing this, not the stores. The stores have tried to get this for me, and they didn’t see this coming.
If you can’t find one, try a Wilderness Commander 120 or 140 from Time Out, same concept, much more stability!
That looks like a kayak, which isn’t what I’m looking at. I’m looking at a large, wide square stern canoe that will take up to a 4hp outboard. I need something portable (without a trailer) I can toss in a pickup and still be able to fish three people out of, even if we are a bit cramped.
Thanks though, I’ve put serious consideration into a set of kayaks, but I don’t think my son would be able to handle paddling in current.
Yep, that is Dick’s to a T. I went to Dick’s a couple of years ago on a Monday to buy a kayak they had advertised on Sunday. They did not have one so gave me a rain check. To keep a long story short, It took 6 weeks the wrong kayak being shipped, another one came in damaged until I walked out with a kayak. In the end, it worked out great because I got so pissed and I made so much noise (not literally) that I ended up getting a $699.99 yak for $249.99. keep on them, if their manager is worth a dang, he’ll work with you.
Hey Matt, play hardball with them, I worked for Dick’s if you make enough noise, they will cut a huge break. Tell your son, that Santa is running on a delay
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
Matt, let me look into something for you. We used to be an OceanKayak/Necky dealer (same company as Old Town) and we might be able to do some sort of special order for you. Only issue might be on the freight side of things to get the boat here, but let me see what I can do.
Matt, give me a call today or tomorrow at Time Out (843 388 6266), I found out some good news for you!
Edited to add: That boat Dick’s is listing is not a “Saranac Square Stern Canoe”, it is the “Rogue River 154 SS” which actually should retail for $749. I can order it for you, I can work on the price a bit, but shipping would unfortunately be $165.
Have had 2 Old Towns for 25 years, 1 small 11’ one-man pack and a 17-18 Discovery. Dragged around, hunted, beat up. They last and you’ll be happy with the brand. Just a thought on the square stern. Have used a side/outrigger mount for years (trolling motor but I think it’ll tale 3-5 gas OB). Tracks straight. They squares I’ve tried seem a bit harder to paddle and significantly heavier. They are supposedly a bit more stable but I’ve never felt the need for more stability to fish in the longer one. You can ignore this if you are looking for a dedicated motor boat. But if you intend to use it half the time as an actual canoe, the ease of use (launching, paddling) and cost of a traditional canoe might offset any stability gains. My 2c. Note that you can also get just about any Old Town on Amazon if a local shop can’t special order.
I spoke with John Phillips owner of Grady’s Great Outdoors and he said he has some of the sq. sterns in stock but could help you out with any of their other products. His email is johnggo@gmail.com or his direct cell # 864-617-6330. Great company and I am sure they would take good care of you.