[MartyK]

Hi folks,

I'm looking at buying a used canoe. A lot of the ones I've seen are older and have no title. Can anyone tell me whats involved in getting a canoe registered and/or licensed in Illinois?

Marty

[twade]

It is not that hard. The DNR just wants to know who has owns the canoe. I have seen guys get a generic Bill of sale and make a phone call and get one easily.

[MartyK]

So if I get a bill of sale from someone in Illinois who has no title, I have a good chance of getting one issued?

Or actually, do I need to get an Illinois watercraft sticker on a canoe?

[twade]

Both.

In IL you are supposed to get a watercraft sticker, it is like $15 bucks for 3 yrs (something like that).

I have seen guys get a bill of sale and in return call the DNR for sticker/title info. I have seen it for both canoes and jon boats. Call them tell them what you are looking at and they will tell you what they need.

Pretty painless.

Edit -

Here are the number for the DNR (217) 557-0180 or 1 800 382-1696

[MartyK]

Thanks!

[MartyK]

Just printed the paperwork, now I need to pull the trigger on one.

[twade]

f you plan on taking people with you. Canoe, plan on going solo get a sit on top kayak.

[MartyK]

I'm looking at those too, but, I'm hoping one of my kids goes with me. is the canoe unstable solo?

[twade]

No, I wouldn't say that. I just think as far as fishing solo a kayak is more manageable for transport, easier to handle in the water, and lighter. However there is a price to pay for them.

I have a cheap canoe and a great kayak. I would never consider the canoe for fishing solo. But if you are trying to get your kids on a canoe and enjoy time on the water with you by all means.

[MartyK]

Have you ever solo fished in a canoe? I actually thought that the canoe would be a bit easier.

What size kayak do you fish with?

[twade]

I have fished solo in a canoe. I perfer the kayak. FishnD, another chitowner likes to fish in his canoe, but I don't think he has tried the kayak. Plus he brings 10 rods with him. haha

I have a 11 ft trident ocean kayak. I think it tracks better and I can paddle upstream in a river with no issues.

Try to rent a canoe and/or kayak for the day...

[MartyK]

Good idea, Thanks!

[Bubbalouie]

Well Marty- adding my blabbermouth part- if you get a canoe, it should be 14' or longer especially if maybe taking two people. The longer, more stability. Also, you can be a non-purist and lazy arse like me and get a little side mount for a tiny gas powered motor-

I used to know guys that fished alone in a canoe- (Travis is just a purist!! and loves his new fad )

There has to be some canoeists on this site to chime in----????

good luck-

[Carlisle]

I personally prefer fishing out of a canoe. I like the higher seating position, the additional room, and the added stability.

I'm comparing the Old Town Dirigo in my avatar, a Native Waterworks Manta Ray, and a very light canoe I have, that I can't recall the name of at this moment. The canoe weights about 35 pounds, and is lighter than both the kayaks. So there are lightweight canoes out there.

I think either way you go (Canoe or Kayak) you will enjoy your purchase.


For a beginning paddler a kayak would defiantly be easier to maneuver solo, especially in strong winds. But if it helps, you could always use a kayak paddle in a solo powered canoe.

[Carlisle]

Also when using a sit on top kayak, be prepared to get wet. That's one thing I don't like about the Mantra Ray, Often times the wakes from v-hull boats will come right over the sides, and soak the rump. I tend to stay drier in a canoe.

I never tried to register a boat without a title, that might end up being a hassle. And also make sure you get the stickers, I was stopped and checked a few times this last year.

[MartyK]

Thanks guys, I've got a sort of permission from my wife so now its just a question of finding the right deal for me.

[MartyK]

Do you guys use the canoes in the colder months?

[Carlisle]

tryingtocatchem wrote:

Do you guys use the canoes in the colder months?

I do, Last year I was using both the canoes and kayaks all the way into November. and started using them again soon after ice out. I just try to stay close to shore, and also keep a 2nd set of cloths in a dry bag, just in case.

[twade]

I have canoed and kayaked with snow falling on me. It's the best.

I do have to say I might have to disagree on stability. I have done some fun on the kayak, like they have come a long way. In certain conditions I would never consider a canoe, but that is just me. Really, the best is to try em out on your own. I can take the kayak out on the big, I would never with the canoe. Try em out, I think that is the best as a lot of this is preference.

Change of cloths in a dry bag and maybe some dry lent to start a quick fire. If you get dunked in a river canoeing or kayaking in November it blows.

[twade]

[quote="Bubbalouie"]

I used to know guys that fished alone in a canoe- (Travis is just a purist!! and loves his new fad )

[quote]



Well you are the first person to call me a purist so i'll let that pass but fad.. FAD?

I still still drill ice holes by hand.. haha.