My family of four is heading in together for the first time this year. I'm thinking about trading in a solo for a Northwind 20. With a 4 & 6 year old in the boat, my priority is stability. I'd also like some efficiency since I'll be the main engine for this thing.

It will be basically impossible to get a representative test paddle ahead of time. I may rent also, but this will come up every year, so I'd rather skip that.

Anyone have some thoughts on this boat or general impressions you can share?

Thanks!

Is this the only canoe trip you'll do with the family? If so rent and keep the solo

You could probably get by with an 18 or 18.5 although the 20 would give the kids a bunch of room. I saw Bell 20 at Tuscarora last year and I really liked it. Later, on the last day of my trip, I saw four college age guys traveling in one. They looked like voyageurs flying down the lake with all four paddling.

Make sure you have paddles for the children with shafts that fit their little hands. They will be happier if they can participate in the locomotion.

I would rent, unless you can find a real good deal.

quote Blatz: "Is this the only canoe trip you'll do with the family? If so rent and keep the solo"

+1

Agree with others on renting.

You could also look at using a 3 seater Northwind 18 formally the Northwoods it is 18'9" long. If your kids get along you could have them sit side by side in the middle seat. I do this with my Souris River Quetico 18. Both my 10 and 6 year old sat in the seat in front of me no issues but minor bickering :) Although my days are numbered on this set up as they get bigger. Eventually I will rent the Northwind 20 or we will take 2 canoes.

Just trying to give ya some options.

T

I have a Northwoods that I can adjust to add seating if we're talking about a one-off, or even a once annual trip. I'm thinking about the upgrade because we will be taking a lot of trips like this over the next few years, including lots of day trips because we are a short paddle away from the BWCA very frequently.

I should have asked the questions more directly. Does anyone have some experience with this particular boat who can fill me in on their impressions? For me, stability is a premium, but balanced with some efficiency.

The other option is the giant Wenonah, but at 24 ft its a little too large for me to store. Also, while I think Wenonahs are great and own one, their initial stability in my experience is not as comfortable as Bell/Northstar. I need young kids and an occaisional dog to stay upright and comfortabe in this thing!

Thanks!

quote timatkn: "Agree with others on renting.


You could also look at using a 3 seater Northwind 18 formally the Northwoods it is 18'9" long. If your kids get along you could have them sit side by side in the middle seat. I do this with my Souris River Quetico 18. Both my 10 and 6 year old sat in the seat in front of me no issues but minor bickering :) Although my days are numbered on this set up as they get bigger. Eventually I will rent the Northwind 20 or we will take 2 canoes.


Just trying to give ya some options.


T"

Whoa...we were typing in tandem! I was thinking about exactly what you described. Its good to hear you were able to get the older kids to in the 18 in relative comfort. If I can't come up with the 20, I'll be installing the double seat.

Thanks again!

I've got a "canoe stretcher" in my shed. How about I stretch out my alumacraft and trade for your solo? ;)

Yea your plan makes sense. The 20 looks like the long term answer, with the amount of trips and longevity you plan. Good to know you can make the Northwoods work for awhile though if ya can't find a deal on the 20. I think the Northwoods and Quetico 18 are both close in width so should be very comparable.

The third seat I have on my Quetico 18 is removable although I never take it out, it is a nice option. Should be able to do something like that with the Northwoods.

One thing I did do as the kids got older is put in canoe seats like these Seat cushion . The two I put in sit side by side in the bench seat. Gives the kids each their own space. When they were little it wasn't needed though. Last year was the first I tried it.

T