H2O Canoe Company Paramount 16'6" Canoe Review

A nimble, fast tripping canoe that rewards skilled paddlers and gives ambitious beginners something to grow into, the H2O Paramount 16'6" sits at the heart of H2O's asymmetrical canoe lineup.

The keel-less, shallow-arched hull is the key to what makes this canoe so enjoyable to paddle. It combines real maneuverability with surprisingly strong tracking, a balance that's hard to achieve and harder to find at this price point. Moderate rocker in the bow keeps the hull responsive in turns, while the sharp lines and flared ends maintain efficiency when you want to cover distance on open water. It's a quicker, more lively alternative to a symmetrical hull, and paddlers stepping up from a more traditional canoe will feel the difference immediately.

Available in several Pro-Lite epoxy layups, including Kevlar, Carbon, Carbon/Kevlar, Innegra/Basalt, and Carbon/Innegra, the Paramount can be built exceptionally light without sacrificing durability. H2O's Integral Composite Gunwale (ICG) system is worth noting as well. It integrates a Carbon/Kevlar inner gunwale directly into the mould during construction, resulting in a gunwale that is significantly stronger, more rigid, and lighter than standard aluminum. Ash and cherry wood gunwale upgrades are also available for paddlers who prefer a more traditional aesthetic.

• Length: 16 ft 6 in
• Hull: Keel-less, shallow arch with moderate rocker
• Available Layups: Innegra/Basalt (39 lbs), Kevlar (36 lbs), Carbon/Kevlar (36 lbs), Carbon (35 lbs), Carbon/Innegra (35 lbs)
• Gunwale System: Integral Composite Gunwale (ICG) standard
• Optional Gunwales: Hand-rubbed ash or black cherry with stainless steel screws
• Part of H2O's asymmetrical series alongside the Boundary 17'6" and Horizon 17
• Recommended for intermediate to advanced paddlers; accessible to committed beginners