Mad River Canoe

Customer Service

We have collected answers to common questions about Mad River Canoes here for your perusal. If you have a question that isn't answered here your local Mad River dealer will be happy to help or you are welcome to contact us .

Be sure to check out our Care & Repair section for lots of detailed technical information about our canoes.

Mad River Canoe's Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I test paddle a Mad River Canoe?

Most dealers will be more that happy to provide on-the-water demos of Mad River Canoes; please use our convenient dealer locator to find the dealer nearest you. It will also tell you about any You Can Paddle! Days in your area where you can come and test paddle a variety of our canoes.
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Can I buy a canoe or accessories directly from Mad River Canoe?

Since January of 1998 we no longer sell directly to consumers. We have an extensive network of authorized Mad River Canoe dealers that are equipped to find and sell you the ideal Mad River Canoe to fit your needs. They will also carry the Voyageur gear you need to outfit it. Please use our dealer locator to locate your nearest Mad River Canoe dealer.
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What kind of warranty do the boats have and what does it cover?

The manufacturing of canoes is a complex, painstaking process that requires hand-craftsmanship at virtually every stage. The special quality of hand-craftsmanship that makes Mad River Canoes so unique and special, though, also makes them susceptible to the one factor that cannot be eliminated in the process: human error. Mad River addresses these concerns by hiring top craftspeople, by inserting quality control inspections into every step of the process, as well as random factory and warehouse inspections. In addition, Mad River has established its exclusive lifetime warranty to ensure our customers are getting the quality canoe synonymous with the Mad River name.

Mad River Canoes are covered by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing or material defects. This warranty extends to all first owners of first quality issues. Used canoes, and “As Is” canoes are not covered under this policy. “Blem” , “Demo” canoes (boats sold to dealers with minor cosmetic flaws at a reduced price), are not warranted against cosmetic defects but are warranted against structural defects.

If a canoe is found to be defective Mad River Canoe will repair or replace it under warranty with the customer responsible only for transporting the canoe to and from their nearest Mad River Canoe dealer. The decision to repair or replace will be made by Mad River Canoe.

This warranty does not extend to damage caused by the customer from an accident, neglect, or improper use or handling, nor to damage resulting from the elements or from normal wear and tear. Canoes that have been structurally altered will also not be warranted.
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How do I take care of any warranty issues?

If you suspect you may have a warranty issue please contact your nearest Mad River Canoe dealer who will then contact Mad River Canoe customer service. If after the dealer’s inspection and discussion with Mad River Canoe it is determined that it is a valid warranty claim Mad River Canoe will either repair or replace the canoe at Mad River Canoe’s option. If the dealer can repair the canoe, Mad River Canoe will fairly compensate the dealer for the work and materials. If the canoe has to be returned to the factory for further warranty inspection, Mad River Canoe will pay all shipping charges between the authorized dealer and Trinity, NC. In our continuing product improvement policy, Mad River Canoe reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notification and without incurring any obligation to incorporate such changes in units already completed or sold.
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I have misplaced my owner's manual, how can I get a new one?

Your local Mad River Canoe dealer can get you a replacement copy at no cost. The owners manual is a valuable source of great information on getting started in canoeing, care and maintenance and even minor repairs. Or click here Get your owner's manual.
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How do I carry loads in my boat?

One of the great features of canoes is the ease of carrying a variety of loads- people, dogs, gear, you name it. One of the key things to remember is that no matter what you carry you want to ensure that the load is evenly distributed front to back, side to side and that it is as low as possible. Another key issue is making sure that you are not exceeding the comfortable carrying capacity of the canoe. Overloading your canoe can dramatically alter its handling characteristics and therefore safety. We provide 6" freeboard capacities as a general rule of thumb on their relative capacity. Do not use this as an absolute value.

Carrying people

If you are loading people into your canoe the best place for them to sit is on the floor of the canoe either in seats (one of our favorites is the Voyageur folding cane canoe chair) or directly on the floor. By doing this you keep the center of gravity low and provide a dry ride for your passengers. Small children should be placed directly in front of a parent.

Carrying dogs

Dogs love canoes! The key is to provide them adequate space to comfortably sit or lie down. Do not tie them into the canoe, if anything should happen you want to allow them the opportunity to get out and swim. A great recommendation, especially in rough water is a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for your pet.
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Does Mad River make kayaks?

No, we prefer to focus on making great canoes. However, our sister companies at Confluence Water Sports have a broad line of high quality kayaks for all sorts of paddling styles.
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