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The Mad River Adventure 14 Canoe is a 14 foot polyethylene canoe designed for up to three people. It comes with two padded seats with seat backs, plus a center bench seat.
- Length: 14 foot
- Width: 37 inches
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 875 pounds
This is a compact canoe that can be easier to transport, maneuver and store than many longer or heavier canoes, making it a good choice for families looking for a more convenient boat. It’s also built for stability on flatwater which can make it ideal for beginners and recreational paddlers.
What To Consider Before Considering An Adventure 14 Canoe
The Mad River Adventure 14 canoe is designed for family adventures on lakes and slow moving rivers. It can also be a suitable craft for fishing trips, whether you’re on your own or paddling with a partner.
This is a rotomolded plastic canoe, which can make it more affordable than some other canoes as well as having a high level of impact resistance and durability.
Being a shorter length canoe, it can also be easier to maneuver both on and off the water, making it ideal if you’re new to paddling, as this can mean it’s easier to control. Its hull is also designed so that it’s easier to paddle in a straight line.
However, if you’re looking for more space, this boat does have a longer 16 foot sibling that’s also crafted as an easy-to-paddle entry-level canoe.
Top Features Of The Mad River Adventure 14 Canoe
Durable Hull
The Mad River Adventure 14 is made from durable rotomolded polyethylene which is also the same material that is used on the Wilderness Systems rotomolded kayaks. This can make it strong and resistant to knocks and bumps, making it a great choice of vessel if you’re just starting out.
This 14 foot canoe also benefits from having a tumblehome design, which means it can be easier to paddle as the gunwales are not as wide as the rest of the hull.
Comfortable Seating
A great feature of this Mad River canoe is the seating. It comes with two adjustable padded seats with adjustable seat backs, which can make it more comfortable if you’re paddling all day.
The adjustable seats are located at the bow and stern, so can be ideal for two-person paddling. There is also a molded center bench seat which can be great for a third passenger or paddler. However, the bench seat does not have a backrest.
The boat has several cup holders which can come in handy on longer trips.
Easy To Paddle
This canoe is on the shorter side when it comes to three-person canoes, being just 14 foot long. This means it can be easier to maneuver on the water, which can be particularly helpful if you’re new to paddling.
Video: Mad River Canoe Adventure Series
The shorter length may also make it more convenient to store or transport on the roof of your car, compared to a 17 or 18 foot boat for example. The canoe benefits from having carry handles at the bow and stern to make it easier for two people to carry to and from the water.
The canoe is designed mainly for flatwater adventures, making it ideal for lakes, ponds and slow moving rivers. It has a multi-chine hull that can help to improve stability and tracking.
Haul Your Gear
If you’re paddling solo or with just one other person, you’ll find there is plenty of space for you and your gear. With a high capacity of 875 pounds, you can load it up with camping gear for a few nights away or bring along fishing gear; it even has built-in rod holders.
There are storage areas at the bow and stern, which both benefit from having a small amount of covered protection from the extended deck. There’s also room behind the front seat for additional gear, if you’re not bringing a third person.
Others agree with us that this can be a versatile family boat that’s ideal for casual exploring or fishing.
check out the Mad River Adventure 14! Great #cottage #fishing or cruising boat! http://t.co/us642NsUlV
— Mt.Kirby Skis&Boards (@MountKirby) July 3, 2013
Adventure 14 Alternatives
Mad River Adventure 16 Canoe
The Mad River Adventure 16 can be a good alternative if you’re after more space and a higher capacity. This 16 foot canoe has a 950 pound capacity and can be an ideal starter boat for families. It has similar features to the 14 foot version, including the padded seat backs, bow and stern carry handles and plenty of cup holders.
Pelican 15.5 Canoe
The Pelican 15.5 is a 15 foot 6 inch canoe that’s made from impact resistant Ram-X material that’s exclusive to Pelican. It features aluminum gunwales for added rigidity and durability. This canoe has an 800 pound capacity and can be ideal for family paddling trips or solo adventures. It features three molded bench seats as well as cup holders and rod holders.
Sevylor Adventure Plus Inflatable Canoe
The Sevylor Adventure Plus is a lightweight inflatable canoe that’s built for up to three paddlers. It has a lower capacity than the Adventure 14, at just 440 pounds but can be ideal if you’re looking for a budget boat that’s easy to transport and store. It weighs just 33 pounds and comes with two removable and adjustable seats with seat backs.
Wrapping Up
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Seats up to 3 people
Cons
- Not as much storage space as longer boats
If you’re looking for a durable, stable and easy-to-paddle starter canoe the Mad River Adventure 14 canoe can be a great boat. It can be ideal for recreational paddling, fishing and overnight trips.
This comfortable, compact canoe might be ideal for your next family paddling trip, so check it out here. Leave us a comment to let us know what you think of it and if you want to help any of your buddies, feel free to share this review with them.