Considering the price of a new SR Q-16, if it's structurally sound, I don't think that's a bad price. You didn't say, but I'm assuming its Kevlar?
We have a few people of the Q who have multiple canoes and often recommend people look for used ones via the on-line marketplaces. They know more than I about it.
I rent a Q-16 Kevlar same one year after year and it's easily that old.
If you get it, check out this site. They show how you can easily restore the hull to like new condition with a new coat of varnish and a little elbow grease.

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I have a Q16 that is rigged for solo. It was a 6 year old livery canoe so it had a lot of miles and was not babied at all. It still is a very sound unit. If you can give a look and paddle and everything seems solid I would jump on it. A for a new one you need to put a 2 in front of that 600.00.

BillConner wrote on Feb 22^nd, 2015 at 7:26pm:


I don't know about Royalex, but they did make them in something called Duralite?

I've paddled/portage both and the weight is about the same but the Kevlar seemed "stiffer" than the Duralite. Construction was the same structurally. My friend and former outfitter Q-Dave said he though the Duralite was the better value for the money?

It is the Duralite.  Because of the distance (175 miles, one way) and age, I've decided to just remain patient.  I would rather find something a bit newer (used) and pay double that if I feel it is a better canoe long term for me. 

This canoe will be used tandem, and we likely will be going more into the Quetico with some BWCA trips too.  Our upcoming trip in May, we'll be on the north/northwest part of the park. Entering at Sue Falls.  That portage between Cirrus and Kasakakwog, uffda.  The lighter the better.

Thanks for the help guys.

just some thoughts 

$600 is pretty cheap for a decent canoe - you don't need to own it for a hundred years you know - you could buy it, use it and sell it for $400 after a year or two and no big deal - or you could buy it, and a month later find a canoe you like a lot better - buy that one and resell the first for likely what you paid for it or not much less (depending on the "market" you are in).  If it makes you feel better to get a deal, offer the guy $500 - one thing to watch for in a used canoe is if it has wood gunnels - if the canoe was kept outside, the gunnels tend to rot; check the bottom for soft spots too - indication that water may have seeped into the fabric from a deep gouge

do you still have the same first vehicle/house/bike you ever bought ?  of have you upgraded/bought newer ?  same with a canoe - lots of people have the attitude that they have to get the perfect canoe the first time and pass it down a hundred years later - not so

for many years, we tripped in a 15' Grumman -  that had plenty of room for two with gear;  my current tandem boat is a Bell Northstar 16.5'  - no problem for two with gear -- it all depends on how much or how little gear you will take

FWIW, my brother has a SR about that age. He is happy with it and still takes it to Q every year. Don't let age alone scare you. It's all about condition. He stores his canoes in his garage. Was it stored inside or out?