I've been looking for a reason to get a canoe and think I have found one. Combine it with photography. There's tons of bayou's, marshes, and other flat water area's around here. I've been in canoes, but never in/on a kayak. I like the idea of a canoe over a kayak due to having more space for carrying things. That, and I would feel a bit safer around alligators in a canoe than being wide open on a kayak. (That is, if we happen to get too close to each other.)

So, my question's are: Does anybody use a canoe for wildlife photography? Any tips? Any issues with keeping the camera steady? Do you use any special camera mounts with the canoe?

Saw this article
Choosing a Canoe for Wildlife Photography

Thanks! There's a few things in there that I wasn't considering, such as tripod placement and the type of seats.

Keep me posted on what you do and your experiences with a canoe if you get one. I live close to two wildlife centers with access of canoes and kayaks. I am going to try using a blind this Spring/Summer but the bugs - especially wasps and ticks - may lead me to a canoe.

I'll be trying from a boat this year. A Porta-Bote

Porta Bote | The Revolutionary Folding Boat

(That's why there's no FF in my near future)

Thanks - now that looks very interesting. Do you know if a Porta-Bote supports a tripod with long lens? If so that would be ideal

Haven't tried it yet. The bottom is flexible, but the seats are rigid.

Will do. If/when I get one, i'll post results and opinions.

With a flat back like that, I wonder if you can put an electric trolling motor on it.

You can. Just like a flat back canoe.

Cool. You can sneak around with less body movement.

The more I research the Porta-Boat - the better it looks.
I plan to go to an Annapolis MD area boat show to see one.
Here's a link to some reviews sent to me in response to stability question:
Porta Bote | Porta Bote | Expert TEST Reviews
I also received a picture of a film crew filming with a tripod - for some reason I am unable to post the picture here - if you would like to see it let me know and I will try sending via email. Two guys in a boat videotaping orangutans.
The small 8 foot version fits 2 people, maybe three. I just need room for me and my gear.
I did send off for a price package -

Have you bought a Porta-Bote? If so what size did you decide to buy? The price and distribution seem to be tightly controlled, did you find a competitive marketplace?
Thanks

My father bought the boat in 2013 at a boat show in Maryland. AFAIK Porta-Bote is the only distributor. The boat ships directly from the factory.

In 2013 the price of the 12'6" was $1,799. He also bought the PortaDolly at $279, which IMO was not worth it. I've seen products that would work as well at a lower price.

They come up for sale on eBay from time to time. Only 1 for sale right now, in Arizona. Looks like the guy wants about $2000 too much for it...

The Porta-Bote has a flat bottom with a wide 5' beam width with a draft of only 3-4" approx. As such, it is extremely stable for long lens photography compared to a canoe. The flexible bottom does offer a desired lower centre of gravity for a tripod if you place a pad of Styrofoam or 3/8" wood under it. In my experience, tripod mounting allows you and the boat to move in unison in water, much like the experienced air traveler knows to leave a cup of coffee on the tray and not attempt to handhold it during turbulence. A swivel seat is available and recommended by those who have used it, but I have not yet tried it.