Garage sales and Craigslist

If you are looking for a good model used canoe http://www.redrockstore.com/used.html  has some for sale, they are pricey but mose of the modles listed are very good canoes.

If you are willing to settle a heavy as sin impossible to sink, pretty stable the Old Town Rolex types canoes are usually around $500 new.

Link Bros. in Minong has a scratch and dent area with deep discounts. I have friends who bought a very nice fb 18' with a raised stern for $150! The problems were truly only cosmetic and the factory scratches disappeared into plain old wear and tear scratches after one BWCA trip!

Piragis sells a majority of their fleet off in the fall.  It's a first come first serve sorta deal.  Some of the boats are barely used, some more so than others.  Having put some time in up there, I can tell you that the outfitting crew does maintenance every time they come in from a trip. They also get cosmetic blems from Wenonah to sell.  Check out their link:  http://www.piragis.com/usedcanoeandkayak.html 

Paddling.net has classifieds and I have successfully sold a couple boats on that site. 

You may also want to check with Ski Hut.  I know Potter has a good relationship with Wenonah and I believe he gets blems from time to time. At the very least, I'm sure he would call down there to see what's available. 

It's not local, but Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison does a lot of trade ins and has a rotating stock.  They are fair to deal with. Call 1-800-I-Paddle.  And since I travel there at least twice a month, I'd bring it back for you. 

Interestingly, there is a rep that lives in the area and I know they often sell their samples.  There used to be two reps-- but HJ retired from the gig but he still may have boats to sell.  I'm not sure they want me giving their digits out but I'll tell them about this post so they can weigh in. 

As far as what to look for-- that's a loaded question.  Email me at megankress (at) gmail (dot) com. 

Oh, btw-- I work as a sales rep in the paddlesport industry. I know more than I care to.

Ely still has TONS of last years canoes for sale from the most, if not all it's outfitters. A drive to my fair city would be a great idea.

Hi Megan:
Regarding your bell magic kev-light & black-gold canoes mentioned above on July 21/09, are they still available? What model year are they? What is their condition/ any repairs done or required? What are you listing them at? Are they in Duluth?
Thanks, 
Mike 
Please contact me at [email protected]

April 24th 2010 there is an annual canoe and kayak auction at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis' West Bank.  I've heard it is the largest canoe auction in the world.

Yes, Midwest Mountaineering Expo is quite an event.  Many folks bring their used canoes and kayaks to auction off.  It's fairly good size.  Do your research, however.  I've watched used boats go for close to retail.  And given that there is a discount (10%, maybe??) off on new boats at the hosting Midwest Mountaineering Expo, it seems silly. 

Also, coming up before the MWM Expo is Canoecopia in Madison, WI on March 12-15th. 

It's the largest paddlesports event in the country hosted by Rutabaga Paddlesports.  Several brands and their reps (that's me!) will be there working booths and helping Rutabaga sell their fine wears to the public.  I'm not sure how/if they have any used boat sales going on here but I will forward this to the owner and maybe he can weigh in. Plus, it's a good time to get out of Duluth and experience spring which we won't see for several more weeks. 

Michael & Creed-- I'm so sorry I didn't follow up with you back in July.  I wasn't staying on top of the thread.  Contact me if you still have questions.  megankress (at) gmail (dot) com.

I got a great used canoe from Midwest Mountaineering years ago.