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Gear Forum

Portaging canoe weight question.

Author:

Date/Time: 05/25/2013 09:04AM

Subject: Portaging canoe weight question.

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Previous Messages:
Author	Message Text
billconner	09/11/2011 01:03PM quote Beemer01: "Lighter is always better on a portage." You want light, look no further: Wee Lassie I couldn't believe it when I picked it up - lifted - at Canocopia. May not be as robust as many would like.
Beemer01	09/10/2011 05:19PM Lighter is always better on a portage.
friman001	09/10/2011 04:23PM My first trip was with a 65 lb aluminum canoe, second with a 42 lbs kevlar. I could definitely tell a difference. The 65 lb canoe is very doable however...
BearWhoSwims	09/09/2011 11:16AM quote fitgers1: "I portage my 60 some pound beer can (alumacraft.....I love that my beer can, can take a beating and it keeps on cruising. " +1
Savage Voyageur	09/08/2011 05:10PM I have portaged a 70 pound Grumman/Alumacraft Canoes for 20 years. Just learn the trick to get it up on your shoulders. You will be fine with a 60 lb canoe.
georgiaphisherman	09/08/2011 09:15AM quote snakecharmer: "quote georgiaphisherman: "While shopping for a solo canoe, I came across a tandem boat that caught my attention. One concern with the boat is its weight: 60 lbs. Is portaging with a 60 pound canoe manageable?" What was it about the boat that caught your attention? I mean, a deal is a deal. But if you're going to end up with a kevlar anyway..." The boat caught my attention because the price is right, and the boat is seaworthy, stable, and capable of carrying a load. Primarily, the boat will be a family boat (my wife,myself, and the dog). Also, the boat will make an excellent tripping boat. As far as tandems go, this boat would meet all of my immediate/future needs. The boat is highly praised by reviewers online, but the weight is a concern. I understand your statement about what's the point in getting a heavy canoe if I'm going to end up with a Kevlar canoe later. I do fully intend to get a lightweight solo, but as far as tandems go this boat fits the bill. Thanks for the responses.
cheesewiz	09/08/2011 09:12AM I have an 80 pound old town discovery and two replaced knees and have never had a problem.
fitgers1	09/08/2011 08:00AM I portage my 60 some pound beer can (alumacraft) and have up to about a mile. Of course it can be done. It all depends on, can you do it and do you want to do it? Anything under say 150 rods, I'll go non-stop. Over that, I'll find a branch somewhere halfway and take a few minute breather. I've portaged some lightweight boats - wow! it was heaven, but I love that my beer can, can take a beating and it keeps on cruising.
snakecharmer	09/08/2011 06:04AM quote georgiaphisherman: "While shopping for a solo canoe, I came across a tandem boat that caught my attention. One concern with the boat is its weight: 60 lbs. Is portaging with a 60 pound canoe manageable?" What was it about the boat that caught your attention? I mean, a deal is a deal. But if you're going to end up with a kevlar anyway...
tonyyarusso	09/07/2011 11:48PM I've portaged a 75 pound Grumman. It can certainly be done - it's just a lot less fun. 60 is a lot easier than 75, and 40 is pretty heavenly if you ask me. :)
georgiaphisherman	09/07/2011 09:37PM Thanks for the responses. I realize that the question is very subjective. Personally, the heaviest canoe that I have portaged with was a little over 40 pounds, which was very manageable (even with a pack on). JB...I originally stumbled upon this tandem canoe while I was browsing Paddling.net's classifieds. In case your interested, there is a Grasse River Classic XL listed that is probably comparable to a Savage River. Thanks again.
jb in the wild	09/07/2011 09:09PM I gots to agree with Ben at your age I was portaging a Old Town Disco @ 85# all day long. 60# should be fine if the canoe fits the bill for your needs and wallet. Save that kevlar canoe for when you get older and NEED something lighter. My solo is 33# my SR 17 is 45# I'm still looking for an even lighter solo. Maybe a Savage River we will see. JB
nctry	09/07/2011 08:42PM You're young... :) I portaged a 65# canoe for years. In my 50's now so I felt the 38# Canoe was needed. Just don't strap a lot of extras in the canoe and you should be fine.
bobbwca	09/07/2011 07:42PM I can still porotage my Alumacraft Ul. Up to a mile. Think it weighs about 64 lbs. My legs get a bit wobbly towards the end lol. Guess it depends on what your pain tolerance is.
georgiaphisherman	09/07/2011 07:21PM While shopping for a solo canoe, I came across a tandem boat that caught my attention. One concern with the boat is its weight: 60 lbs. Is portaging with a 60 pound canoe manageable?

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