I'm looking into purchasing a used outfitter canoe, Souris or Wenonah, and plan to be in the BWCA area in early August 2015 to do a few trips there and in the Quetico for a month or so. Are there typically used boats available for purchase that early in the season? I don't live near there and there aren't any nice used boats available in my area. Thanks Kev.

There may be used canoes available later in the summer but that is very uncertain. You may want to rent a canoe first to see what you really like. You do not mention where you are going in, i.e.., Ely, Grand Marais, Sawbill, Lac LaCroix. Each area has different outfitters. My suggestion would be to locate a used canoe now, purchase it, and then pick it up this summer. Most outfitters would likely hold the canoe for you if you paid for it. You could also contact various outfitters and let them know exactly what you are looking for, and to contact you when something comes available. Some outfitters such as Piragis in Ely, are always doing trade-ins. They may not have what you want now, but may have it in 2 months. You can search the used canoes for sale on this board. Bottom line, there are likely canoes out there, but finding what you want takes planning and research. Just showing up in August may or may not get you what you want. In any event, good luck in your search. JerryG

quote kev2: "I'm looking into purchasing a used outfitter canoe, Souris or Wenonah, and plan to be in the BWCA area in early August 2015 to do a few trips there and in the Quetico for a month or so. Are there typically used boats available for purchase that early in the season? I don't live near there and there aren't any nice used boats available in my area. Thanks Kev."

Outfitters list their canoes here. (Click the link) For Sale Forum

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FenskeCabins
MooseTrack
VoyageurNorth

Generally, that is a bit early. The sales seem to start around the beginning of Sept. to Labor day. If you know what you want already, then I agree to call now and see if you can purchase over the phone and have them hold it. I purchased two canoes from Voyageur North a bit after Labor Day one year, as we were leaving Ely, and they held them until the following August for me.

If you aren't sure about the type of canoe then you could talk to an outfitter about applying some of your rental to a sale. Then you could try different canoes on different trips and stick with the one that works best for you. But they may or may not offer that option.

I was just in Ely and there are a lot available. I know Canoe Country had quite a few - SR Q 17s in particular - good looking and refinished. 1200 to 1300 or so.