Tracks well with molded keel, I like the material it is made of because it is quieter, extra buoyancy with the Old Town 3 ply... tough as nails... I have mine set up with a Minn Kota Endura 30 lb thrust with telescoping handle for comfort and ease. Moves this boat beautifully.
I bought some lightweight seats with backrests, great for long outings. I also recommend getting a solar charger, dirt cheap, works terrific and can be left out in all kinds of weather. I use paddles in small lakes, in wildlife refuge where no electric motors are allowed. I recommend the lightest and strongest paddle. Bending branches makes a carbon Touring paddle and other lightweight paddles.
And now with the square stern Old Town Discovery canoe, I can now hit all those narrow waterways and open lakes. I sold my Jon boat when I realized how versatile this 13 footer is. I can stand and fish, carry all kinds of photographic gear, and camping equipment for that Adirondack island getaway. Best investment I ever made!
I took my Discovery Sport 13 down the Verde River, AZ during flood stage. The boat is not designed for white water, but it can be done. It is a good idea to strap in a couple of air mattresses under the seats and in the back to give the craft extra buoyancy. This comes in handy when the boat capsizes, keeping the pilot-less vessel high in the water as it tumbles down river. It is a tough 'ol barge. I hit a huge boulder square in a class III and only caved in the nose a bit. I cannot say whether it can withstand a open-ended-wrap-around, of the taco shell variety, but it sure helps to fill the open spaces of the canoe with the float mattresses. The boat likes to take on water with the slightest wave or ripple, so expect to get wet and drain the boat often.
Overall, this boat is very versatile and fits the bill for many uses.
I purchased my 13' square stern Discovery new in 1999. It has seen considerable use over the years! Though it is a bit heavy (92lbs.), it is very stable. It has been a great fishing boat for the high mountain lakes of S.W. Colorado.
I can load this canoe on the car top of my '07 Pathfinder without help. An outrigger on the front load rail helps! The 15' model weighs about 20lbs. more and would make loading difficult by myself. It is slow to paddle, not bad to row! I have the old town power paddle that gets a lot of use!
This canoe is ideal to fish from with a small outboard! I had a 2hp Honda for years - it moved the boat well. I also have a sweet '58 Evinrude 3hp Ducktwin and the extra thrust over the Honda is noticeable. With the 15' Discovery you can use a 5hp outboard were the 13' has a max rating of 3hp. I am very happy with the performance of the smaller canoe and the ease of transporting it over the larger unit is a big plus. My boat cart makes it possible to launch in difficult to reach remote lakes. It is very well made and has held up great. If I had to replace it, I likely would make the same choice.