I use my old aluminun canoe a lot to get into remote areas. I know--aluminum is noisy, but I take some precautions to cut down on the noise. I have glued rubber around the upper portion of my paddles to quiet them from contact with the sides of the canoe. I also lined the area where my feet rest as well. It's cheap, rugged, and it works for me. It takes the occasional rocks pretty good. It has the dents to prove it.

Dillon