faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Construction & Durability

How durable is the NuCanoe?
The NuCanoe is made of a very durable and extra tough AquaTuf polyethylene material specially designed for canoes and kayaks. With proper use and care, you’ll have many years of enjoyment with your NuCanoe.

How does the NuCanoe hold up in the sun?
The AquaTuf polyethylene material has excellent long-term outdoor weather-ability and will not noticeably degrade or fade. For best results and longevity, it is still preferred to store your NuCanoe out of direct sunlight.

Use

Can I use my NuCanoe in the ocean?
The NuCanoe is safe for use in saltwater and the open ocean. Although the NuCanoe is not self-bailing, it does provide ample flotation even when full of water. If your primary intended use is in the waves and surf, you may prefer a self-bailing kayak. Otherwise, the NuCanoe is a great boat for the ocean.

Can I use it on rivers?
The NuCanoe is rated for rivers up to Class II. The mild rocker design and high flotation hull allow for ease of use. Keep the NuCanoe pointed down river and you’ll be able to comfortably get through just about everything. It’s always a good idea to strap down your gear, just in case something catches you by surprise, but even in the worst case scenario your NuCanoe will float down river – whether swamped or upside down!

How does it perform in the wind?
While a windy day makes any watercraft more difficult to manage, the NuCanoe is not highly susceptible to wind. The NuCanoe rides well through choppy water and it doesn’t catch too much wind to make paddling futile. When stationary for fishing or relaxing, a small anchor will hold the NuCanoe is place.

Transport

How do I get to and from the water?
When going solo, getting your NuCanoe to and from the water is easy with a transport cart. The cart is positioned underneath the NuCanoe on the stern half of the hull. Then just lift up the bow handle and away you go. Another option is to lift the bow handle and drag the NuCanoe…this is great on grass or for a short distance, but not recommended on concrete surfaces.

With two people, the NuCanoe can be carried with the bow and stern handles.

How do I transport the NuCanoe on my vehicle?
The NuCanoe fits well on any rooftop rack that has two cross bars running perpendicular to the vehicle. Set the NuCanoe upside-down, bow-forward, so the gunwales rest upon the cross bars. Use lashing tie-down straps or ratcheting straps to secure the NuCanoe to the vehicle.

How do I transport the NuCanoe in my pickup?
The NuCanoe travels well in the bed of your pickup truck. There are two methods to easily and safely load your boat. With the tailgate down, the NuCanoe can be loaded upright, stern end first. It will stick out a few feet, so be sure to tie a flag to the bow handle. Alternatively, the NuCanoe be also loaded upside-down, stern end first, and with the tailgate up. It will stick up in the air and extend beyond the tailgate, so you’ll need a flag. With either option, secure the boat with a few tie-down straps over the hull to hold it to the bed, and run another through the bow handle to ensure it doesn’t slide out. This secondary strap doesn’t need to be extremely tight.

Trolling Motors

What size motor is recommended?
A 30lb thrust trolling motor is sufficient for getting around lakes and flat water with 1-2 passengers. If you want the extra boost for go up rivers or to more quickly cover a longer distance, you can upgrade to a bigger motor – up to 55lb thrust. A 30” shaft length is ideal, but a 36” shaft works as well. Popular trolling motor brands are MinnKota and MotorGuide.

How is the motor installed?
A transom mount trolling motor simply clamps to the square transom of the NuCanoe. To prevent any damage from the motor screws, we recommend placing a thin piece of plastic, wood, or metal between the screws and the inside of the transom to even distribute the pressure.

Can a gas motor be used?
We do not recommend using gas motors due to the higher potential for mishaps.

How to I position the motor, battery, and operator to get optimal performance?
The key to achieving best results with your NuCanoe is to have the weight evenly distributed. When sitting in the center seat position, it is typically works well to have the battery in the stern of the boat. If you prefer to sit in the stern, then it is best to extend the battery cable and secure it in the bow of the boat. Prior to use, check to see how if the NuCanoe is sitting level in the water. If not, reposition the battery or other cargo until it is roughly level.

How do I reach the tiller handle from the center seat position?
A tiller extension handle with a U-Joint is ideal for solo operation when using a trolling motor with your NuCanoe. This set-up allows for full control of the motor with minimal movement in your lower arm.

What do I do if water comes through the transom hole?
First, ensure the NuCanoe is riding level in the water. If it is and water still comes in the transom hole, then the best solution is to insert a plug into the transom hole.

Design Features

Why doesn’t the NuCanoe have scuppers?
The deck floor of the NuCanoe is beneath the water line, so adding scuppers to the NuCanoe would only serve to draw water into the boat. Raising the floor above the water line would significantly change the performance and function of the NuCanoe, compromising its great features. Water doesn’t typically get into the NuCanoe (except on rough rivers or in the surf), and when it does, it is on the floor and doesn’t impact the performance of the boat.
What are the divots in the floor for?
The divots, called kiss-offs, provide structural integrity and strength by forming the deck floor to the hull bottom.

Why is there a plug in the bow?
A hole is required during the manufacturing process, and also with normal use, to allow air to enter and exit the hull as temperature and pressure change. It also provides a way to get water out, in the event that it should get into the hull. We recommend keeping the plug snug, but not tight, so that air pressure in the hull can adjust as necessary.

What is the source of the NuCanoe’s flotation?

The design of the NuCanoe gives it great flotation due to the air that is captive in the hull. This air provides enough flotation to keep the NuCanoe afloat, even if it is completely swamped.

Why does the NuCanoe have a hole in the transom?
The transom hole has three purposes. First, it provides a place to run the stern anchor line for the NuCanoe. Second, it allows a cable or chain to be run through to lock the NuCanoe. Third, it provides more strength when clamping a trolling motor to the transom.

Repairs

How can I fix up the scratches and scrapes in my NuCanoe?
Minor surface abrasions can be cleaned up by heating the plastic and melting it back into place. Wave a propane torch or heat gun 6-12” away from the abrasions until the frayed edges start to singe and melt. Be sure to avoid holding the heat source idle in one place. A scouring pad can be used to rub the hot plastic and smooth out the repaired area.

Can a hole be repaired?

A hole can be repaired by plastic welding or with a repair kit like Rec Repair (www.recrepair.com). Plastic welding is achieved by heating both the existing hull and a new piece of plastic until they melt and can be fused together.

If an insert comes out, can it be replaced?
Inserts are molded into the hull, so they can not be easily repaired if they fall out. However, an alternative solution is possible. Check with your NuCanoe dealer as this problem would be covered under the product warranty.

Manufacturing

How is the NuCanoe manufactured?
The NuCanoe is a rotationally molded product. Plastic polyethylene granules are loaded into the NuCanoe mold where they are cooked at 450 degrees while being rotated and tilted. The plastic cinders, adhering to the inside of the mold and forming the NuCanoe. After cooling, the finished piece is removed from the mold.

What material is used in the NuCanoe hull?

The NuCanoe hull material is AquaTuf (HMP-335) by Muehlstein. It is a high-density polyethylene compound that is designed for applications like kayaks or boats, which require a balance very high stiffness and extreme toughness. Key features of this material are:
1. Excellent long term outdoor weather-ability (UV8)
2. Superior balance of toughness and rigidity
3. Very high stiffness
4. Excellent low temperature impact

How are the threaded inserts done?
The threaded inserts of the NuCanoe are completely enclosed and sealed into the mold of the plastic hull. All the hardware on the NuCanoe is attached via the threaded inserts using ¼-20 screws.

Accessories

Can more threaded inserts be added to the NuCanoe?
More inserts can be added to the NuCanoe, but not in the same manner as the original inserts. The simplest option is to rivet or screw hardware directly into the hull, rather than using the inserts. Otherwise, a Spin Fitting can be installed with a router.

How does the Swivel Seat Mount work?
The Swivel Seat Mount allows a standard fishing-style seat and swivel bracket to be installed in the NuCanoe. The Swivel Seat Mount secures to the NuCanoe via thumbscrews, similar to the standard seats. The fishing-style seat and swivel bracket are not included with the Swivel Seat Mount.

How many seats can be put in the NuCanoe?
The 12’ model of the NuCanoe offers 6 seating positions for as many as 3 seats. The 10’ NuCanoe can accommodate 1 or 2 seats in any of the 4 seating positions.

How do the Rowing Outriggers attach?

The Rowing Outriggers fit securely around the gunwale and secure in place through the side handle inserts. They are designed to distribute the force throughout the hull and not place great strain on the inserts.

Care & Storage

What is the Warranty on the NuCanoe?
The NuCanoe has a 3 year limited warranty that covers the hull and hardware. Any defective items will be repaired or replaced.

How do I clean and preserve the NuCanoe?
The NuCanoe can be cleaned with water. A brush can be used for dirt that does not come off with water, but chemical cleaners are not recommended. A plastic cleaner/polish may be used to get out any stains and giving the NuCanoe a “like new” look.

What is the best way to store the NuCanoe?
The NuCanoe should be stored out of direct sunlight. It can lie flat on the ground, or be leaned up on its side. The NuCanoe should not be suspended or hung by the carry handles or attachment points.

Sales & Purchasing

Where can I see & buy a NuCanoe?
Our dealers are listed at www.nucanoe.com/dealers. If there is no dealer in your area, contact us and let us know what local retailer you’d like to see carry the NuCanoe.

Can I take a test paddle?
Many NuCanoe dealers offer demos or rentals. Check our dealer page for listings.

Does NuCanoe, Inc. sell direct?
The NuCanoe is sold exclusively through NuCanoe dealers. If there is no dealer in your area, your order can be placed through any Premier Dealer, and you order can be shipped directly to you.

Can I buy online?
Many of our dealers offer online sales. Check the dealer page to find one.