Jim: Max and I had a thrill meeting you, Randy, and Scott, and seeing your shop.  It's much more real to the kids when they can see that people make things, instead of believing that everything starts at Wal-Mart!  And much fun for Dad as well to meet the guy who designed my canoe and the guy who built it. We couldn't wait to get it out Sunday despite it being rainy and windy.  We went to a local state park that has a 70 acre lake that doesn't allow motorboats, jet skis, etc.  I don't gush much, but I think it was one of those afternoons that my kids will talk fondly about at my funeral (hopefully a long time from now). Okay, maybe all they will remember is how funny it was when our dog -- a little Cairn Terrier -- decided to jump out of the canoe and go for a swim, only to realize that (1) the water was deep, and (2) it was also cold.  But hey, that will still be a funny story years from now.

I took the canoe out solo a few times and was in awe of how well it handled even with my clumsy efforts.  I've paddled nothing but rental Grummans for I don't know how long, and was just thrilled with the Tennessean.  But most of all, paddling that beautifully hand-crafted canoe with my beautiful Nashwaak paddle as the sun broke through the clouds and the geese flew by just gave me one of those "Bill Mason moments" when you wonder why in the world we ever invented automobiles, powerboats, and airplanes.  I just don't think it would have been the same if I had been paddling a plastic canoe from the local big box retailer.”
-Ralph D.      Tenneessee     May, 2006

The show room of the Merrimack Canoe Company is an anachronism. The quality, beauty and craftsmanship that define the Merrimack canoe is almost impossible to find in our world today. Yet the combination of traditional and high tech materials used in their construction make another statement. "How can something this wonderful be built using these materials"? Although it is tough to get past the aesthetic statement made when looking at the boat you soon realize that the beauty is much more than skin deep.  I purchased a Tennessean and have loved every minute of time spent on the water with her. She paddles like a silk dream, and weighing under fifty pounds is easily transported on a roof rack. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a Merrimack you won't let go. I have been canoeing for almost 50 years. I can honestly say that this is absolutely the best small production canoe on the market.

-Dr. Richard C.      Florida     April, 2007

I can't thank you enough for providing such a great boat. I'm happy to say I'm well on my way to spending countless hours out exploring the backwaters of Florida. So far I have been impressed how easily this canoe maneuvers, even when solo. Please pass on my thanks to everyone there. It's nice to know that fine craftsmanship still exists.  Thanks!

-Dave R.         Florida        Novemeber 2007

 

Yesterday, Alison and I drove up to NH to Wild Meadow Canoe to "look at canoes".  We came home with a beautiful Ivory Tennessean!!!  Seeing, touching and experiencing one of your Merrimack canoes in person...the classic look...the impeccable craftsmanship...It was love at first sight.

We looked at and "water tested "some others that actually were very nice.  Then we climbed in the Tennessean.  For quality and design, there was no comparison!  It/we moved smoothly and gracefully through the water, rode comfortably over some wake from a passing power-boat and glided happily back to shore.  We were seduced.

Tom Whalen and Brian installed a roof top carrier for us on the spot and home we went.

Alison and I easily handled the 50 lbs. off loading it into the garage. 

We can't wait to take her for her maiden voyage this weekend discovering areas of the upper Charles River we've never seen.  As you might surmise, we're excited!

-Bruce Marson      Massachusetts       July, 2007

FINALLY I was able to get the canoe (Tennessean) out on the water!  Sunday afternoon we paddled around Lincoln Pond, which is actually a lake in the Adirondack Mountains of New York state.  Beautiful!  (The lake and the canoe.)  There are two times we see the canoe: when it's on the car, and when we are paddling.  Looks great on the car, of course, and seeing the classic cherry-wood ribs while paddling is an experience unmatched by all other canoes of kevlar, fiberglass, or plastic!  No buyer's remorse here! 

-Bruce P.      Vermont     July, 2007

I can now tell you that this blue boat has been tested and found to be great!   Greg took it out all by himself the other day to Oscar Scherer State Park.  It handled well for him.  Sadly, it does have a few scratches on the keel, so maybe the ivory would have been a better choice from that standpoint but we're both glad we picked the blue. 

-Susan M.     Florida     Feb, 2007

 

More Tennessean reviews at Paddling.net