Oops. Pics didn’t post well in the translation from
Craigslist to the forum via my phone.

But it’s an Independence. Now curious about how it would paddle with just a 165 lb paddler and no gear around the local harbor. Other choice is a MR Traveler.

Orig message....
Can anyone identify this somewhat beat up Mad River solo? It is 16 feet long but no other specs were given. Looks like lots of stuff was added to it, including a kayak rudder. If you know what it is, any thoughts on using it for a day tripper with my weight around 165?

Oh, duh. Just looked at one of the pics closely and it’s an Independence.

Now let’s go with thoughts on an Independence versus a Traveler (which is sitting in my garage).

Thanks.

I know nothing about which canoe is better. I do know that when I click on your pictures they come up on my screen about 2 x 2 cm. you may want to resize them.... or not since you have the ID and are just looking for advice.

If it's a fg Indy, it will be about 44-45 pounds before the add ons. Kevlar I believe we're around 35. They are a joy to paddle IMO. I've never paddled the Traveler but I know they are a "roomier" solo meant for piling a months worth of gear into. Indy's were listed at 15-10 and are slimmer, but not too slim.
Here is a better pic of mine loaded with gear for 9 days

Just a bit of advice. Your two pictures are very blurry and tiny. I can’t see them. Retake them with a camera with more pixels.

some more Indy pics

Sorry about the pics. They were saved fro craigslist and posted from my phone. Not sure why they are so small.

Just take cowdoc’s pics and beat the wood up real badly but still sort of usable, crudely mount a kayak rudder and foot pedals with more bolts through the hull than seems necessary, and raise the seat to be flat and up at the gunwales.

I’m guessing fiberglass but for paddling around the harbor weight is not an issue. But the Indy might be happier than the Traveler with less weight in it. On the other hand, the traveler is on nicer shape.

I appreciate the thoughts and pics, cowdoc.

For now, I’m waiting for the seller to confirm a lack of cracks and leaks.

Just heard from the seller. It’s got a fair number of what look like gel coat cracks on the bottom.

Two more photos, one showing the cracks. Let’s see if they post ok.

Looks like it had a spray cover at one time

I think you are right about the spray cover. There is a set of regularly spaced snaps and then extra fasteners for the rudder pedals.

Here are a few more pics. I'm not mostly worried about two things:
1) given the bow damage, will I have to replace a lot of the gunwales?
2) are the gel coat cracks a significant problem?

If you buy this canoe; you will pay at least a "good part" of the seller's asking price, and then you will have to pay for repair work, with more cash & "sweat
equity". You most certainly might end up paying more than the canoe is worth.

I don't know; maybe you like a challenge?
I suppose it could turn out to be a real beauty, but are you prepared to pay the initial cost of canoe, cash for repair work, and put in the time/work necessary to "bring it back"?

Speaking for myself; I would not walk away from the deal, I'd probably run...........
I see the same model canoe offered for sale on craiglist on a regular basis, and most are in better condition than what I see in the photos.

BOB

andym: "...1) given the bow damage, will I have to replace a lot of the gunwales?
2) are the gel coat cracks a significant problem?..."

1) yes, probably all of it.
2) yes (IMHO)

Looks like a lot of work there. If the price is right and you've got the time it may be worth it.

The price is very right at $200 including the paddles and extra (perhaps original seat). I could also probably sell the rudder and pedals. However, I don't have time for a project. My MR Traveler is in pretty good shape. I just need to throw in a new seat which I already have. That would take about 5 minutes. And I have dry bags to use as water ballast.

If I want to work on boat woodwork, I'd rather put that time into my sailboat and keep waiting for a more perfect solo to show up.

I'll wait for other comments but will probably pass on this one tomorrow and let it go to someone who is ready to do the work.

Thanks, JHB.

P.S. here's my traveler, the previous owner did a really nice job on the woodwork.

Bob, thanks for the comments. Around here, solos aren’t very commonly up for sale. It’s just not a big canoeing area. But I can be patient.

Gee, the price is right. For that price you could do quite a bit. The cracking is mostly cosmetic... You can toss a coat on it of something and use it in places you wouldn't take your more cosmetic perfect boats. But to make it a thing of beauty, yeah... It would be a stretch. IMO. Btw... Your boat at my place is thankful my boat is is someone else's garage. It is sitting nicely on a spring Creek garage rack.

Agreed, Ben. I think I'm just going to let someone else have the joy of working on the boat. The seller said he's taking care of it for his brother-in-law and it hasn't been used for 10 years. So, there's a story in there somewhere. My guess is that it won't be going anywhere soon and I can change my mind in a couple of weeks if I start pining for it.

Let me know the next time you head to Ely and I'll contact my friends to expect you. Then you can put they can put my boat in my garage and your boat in your garage and all the canoes will live happily ever after.

They just got some snow on top of the hard water yesterday.

Thanks for all your help.

Not sure, but from inside colors, I'd say that is a kevlar boat. If I had the time right now, at that price, I'd love to restore that boat. The holes left from removing all the extra hardware are gonna be a pain, but that would all be part of the fun. Looks like it's gonna need all new wood to me.....another neat challenge. A real diamond in the rough!
The garage sale Malecite I bought (for $175) was about in the same shape (minus the hardware holes), and it turned out pretty good.....but it was a lengthy project. Before and after pics....

Nice, cowdoc. I’ve definitely seen some great restorations on this forum. But that’s just what I can’t get into at this point. Too many other high priority projects. But it would certainly be satisfying.