Thanks everyone, I can't get the seller to return my messages so it might all be a moot point anyway.

The canoe's asking price with the paddles was $150, I don't think I could buy or build anything for that much money that would be much better, plus it has to fit on the roof of my car. I have looked into building a canoe but remodeling the workshop is ahead of that on the long list of future plans.

Hoping to hear from the seller today...

John E