I have had one of these for many years. As others have said, they are very stable once you get out on the water, but will feel a little tippy at first. The canoe is a little heavy but nearly indestructable, and holds up well when occasionaly bashed against a rock. As with any plastic or polymer, you should not store it in direct sunlight. The cold will not hurt the canoe if it is safely stored elevated off the ground and covered with a tarp.