Review of the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Discovery 158 Canoe

Review of the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Discovery 158 Canoe
The Discovery 158 is a recreation canoe from Old Town's popular and long-lasting Discovery family of boats. This model is 15' 8" in length and weighs in at 80 lbs. With a maximum load range of 1,100 lbs. to 1,500 lbs., the Discovery 158 is made to accommodate the whole family plus gear. The hull is constructed of a material called Three Layer Superlinear, which consists of a middle layer of closed cell foam in between two layers of high-density polyethylene. The Old Town Discovery 158 has a bow height of 21.5" and a depth of 13.5".

Perks

The Discovery 158 is a safe and durable boat that any family can enjoy. The tough material withstands being dragged across beaches and launch sites, bumping against underwater boulders and the scratches and scrapes caused by rough cargo. The length and width of the Discovery 158 provides a spacious interior--plenty of room for two adults in the molded seats along with a child, pet, or both sitting on the floor.

Sacrifices

This canoe weighs 80 lbs. and requires at least two people to safely load it on or off a vehicle. While the material the Discovery 158 is constructed of is very buoyant and the generous dimensions provide stability, these attributes make the boat slower on the water than those which are thinner and lighter.

Bottom Line

The Old Town Discovery 158 is an all-around boat that will serve a growing family well. It is safe and stable for beginners to learn on, and durable to withstand years of frequent use.

Article Written By Seth C. Burgess

Seth C. Burgess has been an outdoor writer for Trails.com since May 2009. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology and a Master of Business Administration degree, both from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword