No other water vessel affords operators the tranquility, comfort and versatility as a good canoe. Silently powering the ancient craft down gently flowing streams, using only muscle and an interpretation of the water ahead, is so appealing that many people become hooked after their first trip out in a canoe.

What’s not to love about paddling? The endeavor is quite inexpensive, doesn’t require any specific training and can be enjoyed with others. Best of all, in most areas of the country there are hundreds of miles of navigable waters – both running and still – which can be experienced for free. Some become so impassioned by canoeing, even after only a handful of outings, that they immediately begin to shop for their own.

The design is proven by hundreds of years of use, and canoes in general are relatively easy on the wallet and abundant compared to other watercraft. But don’t be mistaken; all canoes are not created equal. To the casual observer, canoes might all look pretty much the same, only differing slightly in color or brand name. Upon closer inspection – or after on-the-water experience – a person quickly realizes a couple of feet in length or different materials make a difference when it comes to selecting the right canoe to call their own.

Length and material are the two main considerations for most prospective canoe purchasers. Of course, price is an important issue too, but the cost of a canoe is largely a reflection of the material used to build it. Longer canoes of 16 to 17 feet are best for calm waters such as lakes or ponds, and are better manned by two paddlers. Shorter canoes of 14 to 15 feet, on the other hand, are generally slower than long ones, yet they are easier to maneuver in running water such as our area creeks, where paddlers might need to quickly steer to avoid jagged rocks or a submerged log. Additionally, a shorter canoe is better guided by a single operator, whereas a long canoe with a lone paddler can be a pain to keep on course in a stout wind or heavy current. In short, for creeks and swift rivers, a short model is a better choice. For calmer waters, where the need to cover water quickly is a priority, a long, keeled canoe is tops.

Choice of material is the real decision for canoeists, as this affects not only the price tag, but also the canoe’s weight. If you’re going to use a canoe only a few times a year, weight might not be a major consideration. But those who regularly sit on the water understand that packing an 85-pound canoe over sharp rocks, up and down slick mud banks and onto vehicles is not fun after the first few outings. An array of materials are out there, including Kevlar, Royalex, natural wood and other composites that are very pricey. But the majority of canoes I see on our waters are made of either aluminum alloy, polyethylene or some fiberglass composite.

Each material has its pros and cons. Aluminum alloy canoes have been around for decades, and plenty of used models can be found lying in backyards or at garage sales. These canoes are great because they can be stored outside year-round without damage, the canoes are not overly heavy and they are readily available. Still, aluminum canoes do have downsides. Metal canoes cannot be repaired easily while on the water, they make a lot of noise and get hung on rocks and debris, and are terribly hot when the sun beats down on the reflective surface.

I began canoeing in a fiberglass composite, which probably makes me just a smidgen partial to these canoes. Fiberglass models are usually light to handle, even by one person, and although they aren’t as appealing to the eye as a hand-crafted wooden canoe, they still retain a classic look and feel. Storage for fiberglass canoes should be indoors, as they have a resin coating that can be damaged by too much sunlight and weathering. Although they are somewhat prone to scarring or cracking from collisions with rocks, fiberglass can be patched at home or on the bank in a pinch.

Last are polyethylene – or plastic – canoes, which can be purchased for little investment and often come with features such as cup holders, built-in coolers and storage compartments. For the occasional weekend warrior, these canoes can’t be beaten. The upsides are the price and availability, the downside to plastic canoes is that they are heavy and some of the less-expensive models can lose shape after a couple of seasons of use.

Ultimately, the best way to decide what model and material to purchase is purely by spending time on the water, trying out the different models of the adaptable canoe.

— Geordon T. Howell is outdoors columnist for the Daily News. He may

be reached by e-mailing highbrasshowell@yahoo.com.