Having now read the entire thread...it obviously drifted into areas other than roof-top-carriers.>p?

Old Town

YES!

Maybe not "the best" but certainly the oldest...and anyone will acknowledge their fame, and worship a restored wood frame.

Yeah, Joe...I too loved the wood and canvas...no forgiveness on shore or rock, wet foot always...(very unlike the plastic-trash-can ABS materials that slip and slide...or the aluminum that jab and grab.)

Foot pedals? Give me a brake! Duck,shift-hips,grab with the blade,pull-feather-push,shift-hips,upright again.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle