AllOutdoor Review – Old Town Discovery 158 Canoe
For over three decades, the Old Town Discovery 158 has been one of the best-selling canoes in America, and after spending real time with one this season, it’s easy to see why it’s earned such a loyal following. I first got a good look at this boat during my factory tour at Old Town in Maine last Spring, and after a few initial paddles, I knew I needed to spend a full season with it. Old Town was kind enough to send me a Discovery 158 for review, and I’ve already put it through multiple trips here in Maine, including tying it into my West Branch Penobscot River series.
More Old Town / Canoe Coverage @ AOD
AllOutdoor Preview – Old Town Discovery 158 Canoe
West Branch Penobscot River: Canoe Trip – Part 1
West Branch Penobscot River: Canoe Trip – Part 2
Old Town Kayaks & Canoes: Maine Factory Tour – Part 1
The Discovery 158 isn’t flashy or the lightest boat on the market. It’s a no-nonsense, bombproof workhorse built for real-world use by families, hunters, fishermen, and weekend adventurers. After months of paddling it on rivers, lakes, and everything in between, here’s my full impression.
The Old Town Discovery 158 was provided by Old Town for this review, and while I’m allowed to keep the canoe, this will not change my opinion on any of their current or future products. Old Town has not previewed this article prior to publication. I’ve been using the Discovery 158 for almost a year now across multiple trips. Specs – Old Town Discovery 158 Canoe
Specs – Old Town Discovery 158
- Length: 15′ 8″ (4.78 m)
- Width: 35.5″ (90 cm)
- Depth: 13.5″ (34 cm)
- Weight: 87 lbs (39.5 kg)
- Hull Construction: Three-layer polyethylene
- Capacity: 1,150 lbs total
- Seats: 2 molded seats with nylon webbing
- Gunwales: Vinyl
- Yoke: Ash carrying yoke and thwart
- Features: Molded bow/stern handles, shallow arch bottom with moderate rocker
- Warranty: Lifetime (hull)
- MSRP: Around $999 – $1,400 depending on year and options
- Country of Origin: USA (Old Town, Maine)
- Where to buy
Review – Old Town Discovery 158
The most noticeable thing about the Discovery 158 is how tough it is, being made with three layers of polyethylene. Old Town puts a thick foam layer between two strong polyethylene outer layers. It’s not one of those lightweight canoes that will break on the first trip and it’s designed to last for years in rough, though not extremely challenging, rapids. I’ve been told many stories and seen pictures of Discovery canoes from the 1990s and 2000s that are still in good condition and are easy to paddle. That level of lasting quality is unusual and is what gives this canoe the feel of something you’ll have in the family for generations and will confidently give to your children one day.
The shape of the hull is a good compromise. It has a gently curved bottom, which gives you a very secure initial feel, and a moderate rocker (curve) which helps you steer. At 35.5 inches across, it feels stable and won’t tip easily, particularly when you have camping equipment, children, or a cooler with you. It does okay at tracking a straight line for its size and is surprisingly easy to turn when paddling by yourself, as long as you distribute the weight correctly.
When I’ve actually used it, stability is by far my favourite aspect. I can stand to cast for smallmouth bass, move around to get photos, or paddle with my girlfriend and all our stuff, and the Discovery 158 feels totally solid. It’s even more stable when you fill it up so the more you put in it, the steadier it gets. This makes it a brilliant canoe for families or for serious camping trips.
The seats, which are made of nylon webbing, are surprisingly comfortable for long days on the water. They breathe, they dry quickly, and haven’t been damaged by sun or water. The ash yoke and crossbar strengthen the canoe and allow you to carry it (though we’ll come back to that point!). Simple but useful moulded handles at each end make it much easier to get the canoe on and off the roof of your car.
I’ve used it on everything from calm lake trips to moving water on the Penobscot River. When loaded, it glides along nicely and is more capable than you might expect, and it’s not specifically for white water but can manage Class I and II rapids with no trouble and is strong enough to withstand the occasional knock or scrape that would ruin a less robust canoe.
The main problem with this canoe, and it’s hard to avoid saying it, is that it’s heavy. At 87 pounds, the Discovery 158 is a serious weight. Carrying it on your own is hard work, especially for longer distances. Even with the ash yoke, it’s a good workout. I’ve done it several times and while a reasonably strong adult can do it, it’s not something you’ll be pleased about. If you often have to carry it a long way or over difficult ground, you might want to consider a lighter option. However, for most people who transport it on a trailer, launch from a slip or a gently sloping bank, or only have to carry it a short distance, the weight is a worthwhile trade-off for its exceptional durability in my opinion.
What I like:
– Excellent stability – great for people starting out, families, fishing, and photography
– Very strong three-layer polyethylene construction that isn’t bothered by rocks or rough treatment
– A true family possession – made to last for decades and to be passed to your children
– A huge amount of weight it can carry (over 1,100 pounds) – ideal for lots of camping gear
– It’s good for paddling on your own or with another person
– Made in the USA and has a lifetime guarantee
What I don’t like:
-Heavy at 87 lbs – difficult to carry on your own
-When empty, it can feel a little slow to respond compared to lighter canoes.-
– The standard yoke could do with some padding for longer carries
Final Thoughts – Old Town Discovery 158 Canoe
After using the Old Town Discovery 158 for a whole season, it has certainly lived up to its good name. It is heavy, and that’s what you get for a canoe that is almost indestructible, can carry a lot, and gives you a very secure and confident feel on every trip. But it’s more than just another boat. It’s one that will become part of your summer outdoor adventures, you tell your friends and kids. The one your children will learn to paddle in. The one that will carry moose meat, camping gear, or a week’s worth of supplies without a problem. The one you’ll still be using (or giving away) in many years to come.
If you want a stable, easy-to-use canoe that is built to last and doesn’t worry about every little bit of weight, the Discovery 158 is a very good choice. It’s not the most stylish or lightest canoe available, but it might be one of the most sensible things you can buy for making family memories on the water. I will continue to use this canoe this season and beyond.
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