BWCA 1 or 2 Canoes? Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Trip Planning Forum
      1 or 2 Canoes?     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

Bigbriwi
distinguished member (106)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/25/2016 02:31PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
My wife and I are leaving for our trip in a couple of weeks, and we just found out that our son will be joining us. Super excited to have him with us, but have a quick question. The outfitter gave us a couple of options to change our trip. Either we stick with the 2 person canoe that we have and add a solo canoe, or we just go to a 3 person canoe. If it were you guys, which way would you go? My one concern is that, I am 6' 4" 255#, my son is 6' 5" 210#, my wife is 5' 8" 130#. Will a 3 person be big/stable enough for the 3 of us and all of our gear? On the flip side, if we had 1 canoe we could probably do a single trip portage.

We will be doing a lot of fishing, so I was thinking that when we are not traveling we could leave the solo behind put my wife in the middle of the two person in her camp chair?

Figured I would try and get some opinions from the experts, after all you guys did give me the basketball net anchor idea.

Thanks,
Brian
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next
old_salt
distinguished member(2547)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/25/2016 04:02PM  
2 canoes provide more flexible options.
RLJ
distinguished member (127)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/25/2016 06:03PM  
I would discourage you from using a camp chair in the middle of a kevlar canoe.
Better to sit on a pack or something lower which would cover more surface on the canoe bottom.
Grandma L
distinguished member(5628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/25/2016 06:43PM  
Well first of all, welcome to the boards!
We often travel with three people and two canoes. It is easier for fishing and gives other options. As for the chair in the canoe, depends on the chair, how high it sits and what kind of legs it has - We often use a chair in the Kevlar canoe but sometimes have to put chair foot guards under it. REI Stowaway Camp Chair
Bigbriwi
distinguished member (106)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/25/2016 07:00PM  
That is the type of chair that we have, but was wondering about putting a chair in a Kevlar canoe.
mr.barley
distinguished member(7231)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/25/2016 07:03PM  
I'm in the 2 canoe camp. I really dislike fishing 3 in a canoe.
08/25/2016 07:15PM  
I am generally with the two canoe plan, but I mostly solo. I would talk with your son who would likely be in the solo and get his input.
I suspect the three person canoe provided by the outfitter will have a center seat in place, no need for the camp chair. Discuss that detail with them.
Have a great trip.
Michwall2
distinguished member(1436)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/25/2016 08:16PM  
There have at least 2 threads on this subject through the spring and summer. You might want to use the search function to find them. Try searching for "odd number of people".

The general consensus has been the opposite of your thoughts. If you are doing more fishing, use 2 canoes. The thought is that there is not enough room in a canoe for three fishing at the same time. Better to have the third in the solo while fishing. You can cover more territory.

If you are doing more traveling than fishing, go with the three person. You travel faster while paddling and have one less potential trip over the portage to carry the extra canoe.

There are more nuances to all the sides, so search away.


08/25/2016 08:23PM  
Take one canoe vote here.

At under 600 lbs, a wide canoe (Souris River) will handle all of you and a lot of gear. Load heavier stuff lower in canoe and have one male ride in middle. the middle man can bend over to keep the center of gravity lower in windier conditions. You will not need to depend on him to paddle if conditions are marginal for your group's ability.

Several years ago, my SR 18.5 handled load of over 800 pounds of beef and fat. Son in law weighed WELL over 400 at the time and rode in center. Has lost weight since. I actually called SR and found out that structurally, no problem up to 500 pounds for one of the riders if in center. In our case, we were close to the limit with gear and food, but I think we could have gone closer to the edge of capacity and over in good conditions. We were careful to travel in less than windy conditions and used the plan in previous paragraph. I would suggest having a travel day extension if needed due to weather conditions. The better the canoe handling and experience, the more you can withstand of less than perfect conditions.
cyclones30
distinguished member(4163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/25/2016 10:48PM  
I'd vote for one 3 person canoe. We've had 3 people in a canoe the last 2 trips (both a rented Wenonah Seneca) and got along very well. Built with a middle seat, it fit the 3 of us and 4 packs just fine with plenty of freeboard to spare.

I see the benefits of a solo and tandem, but both times I was the only person with experience in the stern. That also allowed us to easily single portage on every portage which was very efficient. We also had all 3 people paddling nearly the whole time. All told, we moved pretty quickly both on water and on land...

We did fish with all 3 of us in the canoe a couple times, and never have had any issues. I like to make steering/paddling adjustments while the front person (people) fish so it's only 1 or 2 fishing normally anyway. If I do fish, I'm drifting a jig or something. We cast a lot and still don't have any issues.
ATDoel
member (44)member
  
08/26/2016 08:48AM  
I think the answer depends on two important questions. How experienced are the three of you paddling? Are you doing a lot of traveling where time is a significant factor or are you mostly base camping?

If you guys are experienced paddlers and fishing is a more important factor than speed of travel, I would go with the two canoes, especially if you're planning on doing some trolling.

If you guys are not experienced and/or speed of travel is the more important factor, I would go with just one.
Bigbriwi
distinguished member (106)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/26/2016 09:12AM  
Experience wise, we are all very experienced with kayaks. Canoes, we have done a handful of times but would by no means consider ourselves experts.

As for the type of trip, we will be doing 6 nights and are thinking we will spend 2 nights at each spot.

Thanks for all the input guys.
08/26/2016 09:35AM  
My vote would be for 1 three person canoe. Last year I went on a trip using a three person canoe and it worked great. One thing I enjoyed the most that I did not think about before was the social aspect of it. It was much easier to communicate as a group, and made for some fun conversations - compared to two canoes.

Also, portaging the three person canoe isn't a whole lot heavier than a standard two person. You or your son could handle that with ease.

Happy trails!
Bigbriwi
distinguished member (106)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/26/2016 10:37AM  
The other thing I was thinking is that we will more than likely be using leeches and having to have a container for two boats would be another hassle to deal with. I do like the idea of being able to have two people paddling and the other person being able to navigate when we needed.


08/26/2016 10:45AM  
Good thinking, it should be much easier to navigate using one canoe and being able to have a map reader in the middle.

Also, if only two people are fishing at a time the canoe is long enough where you shouldn't get in each others way - assuming the non-fisher is in the middle.

I will say, we brought leeches and worms last year and bringing leeches was one of the worst decisions we made. Having to carry around that bucket the whole time was a hassle. The worms worked well enough to catch some nice fish. But that's just my opinion.. coming from someone who isn't a pro angler.
salukiguy
distinguished member(597)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/26/2016 12:21PM  
Another vote for 3 person canoe like a SR or Seneca. I have done it with 3 men - only 2 fishing and 4 people (2 kids) all fishing. We didnt do a lot of casting though. I like the social aspect someone brought also.
08/26/2016 02:05PM  
Is everyone experienced in a canoe?
If so, I vote 2 canoes.
If NO, I vote 1 canoe.
mutz
distinguished member(1267)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/26/2016 02:49PM  
Did three guys one canoe, one time never again. These are fishing trips for us and fishing three out of a canoe was in our opinions very restrictive and no where near as enjoyable as two canoes would have been.
Grouseguy1
distinguished member (472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/26/2016 05:46PM  
quote Aldy1: "Good thinking, it should be much easier to navigate using one canoe and being able to have a map reader in the middle.


Also, if only two people are fishing at a time the canoe is long enough where you shouldn't get in each others way - assuming the non-fisher is in the middle.


I will say, we brought leeches and worms last year and bringing leeches was one of the worst decisions we made. Having to carry around that bucket the whole time was a hassle. The worms worked well enough to catch some nice fish. But that's just my opinion.. coming from someone who isn't a pro angler."


Hope you didn't carry the leeches full of water across the portages? They only need to be moist. Leeches are incredibly easy as far as bait goes. Very hardy creatures.
yogi59weedr
distinguished member(2662)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/26/2016 08:59PM  
I might think about 2 canoes..see if ya can tie em together. More close quality time..
andym
distinguished member(5340)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/26/2016 10:55PM  
quote IBFLY: "Is everyone experienced in a canoe?
If so, I vote 2 canoes.
If NO, I vote 1 canoe."


I'd go with this. We were faced with this issue once and it would have been me in the solo and no one with a lot of experience as a stern paddler in the tandem. The first and last days of our trip had a lot of wind and some serious waves. It took a lot of effort to keep the canoe in a straight line and quartering across the waves. My wife is a fine bow paddler but those could have been tough for her in the stern. And I'm not an experienced soloist and I probably would have been even worse off than the two of them.

So, definitely think about the range of conditions you might face.

We went with an SR Quetico 18.5 and were very happy with the choice.

Note: we don't fish. So, that whole casting with three people in a canoe thing is not an issue for us.
08/27/2016 12:17AM  
I am









/was i
n




I am in the same situation as you. Three of us leave Monday morning for 10 days in Ontario [further north than the Q], all good paddlers and trippers, all fisherman/fisherwoman. No question in my mind leave the SR 18 at home take the SR17 and my Savage River solo. I love to solo paddle, we can cover much more of the lake, when fishing, probably move more quietly, last year we came out of a river they went left into a small bay to northern fish I headed right towards a sunken island to fish walleyes they got a good close look at a wolf. It's nice if we need water only one person needs to go out leaveing the other two to start meals. Spreads our gear out for traveling. A couple of years ago I did miss seeing my son catch and release a 42 inch northern, but did get to see Janae catch a 38 inch northern. FRED











08/27/2016 12:37AM  
Obviously people have different experiences and preferences so go with your gut, but my vote is one 3 person canoe. I've fished and travelled with 3 people in a canoe many times (Souris River 18.5 but others work well too) and it was never an issue. You all get to hang out together and talk, joke around, it's always been fun.

T
Bigbriwi
distinguished member (106)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/27/2016 07:30AM  
You all keep mentioning the social benefits of being in a 3 person and I hadn't thought of that. Boy, I just can't decide. I do like the idea of having a single for when I want to fish and others don't. But I am a bit concerned because my wife and son do not have a lot of canoe experience. Hmmmmmm?
billconner
distinguished member(8607)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/27/2016 07:44AM  
I'll bet you have a great time either way.

(Personally, I like travelling so would opt for three person canoe to cut a portage trip.)
08/27/2016 03:24PM  
quote Bigbriwi: "The other thing I was thinking is that we will more than likely be using leeches and having to have a container for two boats would be another hassle to deal with


We take a leech bag instead of bucket. It is about 4x6 and flat like an envelope, and made of a mesh. Hang over the edge of the canoe into the water. When portaging it stays attached to the canoe and just hangs there (keep it in the stern). Very lightweight and doesn't take any room. Just remember to close it or all the leeches will escape overnight.
08/27/2016 03:58PM  
I'll second billconnor, whatever ya choose it will be fun!

T
fsupp
distinguished member (132)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/27/2016 07:42PM  
quote Bigbriwi: "But I am a bit concerned because my wife and son do not have a lot of canoe experience. Hmmmmmm?"

I think that seals the deal - go with a three person canoe. I've done two trips with three guys in a three-person canoe, and we never had trouble fishing. The stern paddler will spend more time paddling than the other two while fishing, but you can balance that out by rotating who's sitting there. Unless you're experienced in a solo canoe, a larger canoe is a much better fishing platform. And, as the cherry on top of the sundae, portaging one canoe will be much easier than portaging two.
08/27/2016 08:25PM  
Be sure to try the three man before the trip. We went three in a MnIII and found that I could not fit in the stern seat, it was too narrow. I'm 5'11 and 230. Sitting in the bow I had to have my feet one in front of the other because it was not wide enough. That tip was the most uncomfortable I have been on.
08/29/2016 09:29AM  
I agree with Big tent. we went with 3 adults in june, regular sized people, lol. You two are way bigger. Our outfitter had the mn3 and the bell northwind 20. No comparison on leg room, Bell was much better. We really liked it, super stable, light for size. Only bad thing about long canoes can be landing them, you have to get used to it and some landings are not doable. 3 in one canoe always leaves someone looking at the map closely, pulling stuff out of packs if needed, landing fish, whatever. We only had two fisherman thou, if you have three, the front two need good rules on what goes. casting wise.

To me, I would go with one canoe.

Also, if you use pieces of pool noodle or pipe insulation duck taped to the canoe where your legs hit it when sitting, you will thank me later, especially for you big tall guys.
ChicagoMoose
member (17)member
  
08/29/2016 09:58AM  
I agree with the suggestion of trying the three person out before the trip. I'm sure your outfitter will let you sit in the canoe and if they are on a lake go for a quick paddle. I personally cannot fit my legs in the bow so that sealed the deal for me on a tandem and a solo on past trips.

Good luck!
Bigbriwi
distinguished member (106)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/13/2016 08:15PM  
Just got back and we decided to do both. We rented a 3 person and a solo. So while moving from lake to lake we had enough room for all our stuff and the three of us. But when we went fishing and day tripping we all went in the 3 person. It was really the best plan and worked out awesome. There was no way we were fitting all three of us and our gear in that 3 person canoe!
magaak1
distinguished member (115)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/14/2016 12:56PM  
We had one person drop at the last minute, leaving us with 3 guys, 6'1", 6'3", and 6'5". We looked at the MN III and went with a MN 4 and removed a seat. It was extremely stable, even when empty and fishing in rollers. Hard to make sharp turns at 24' long, but you could really paddle fast on a straight away. Would have been nice if the 3rd seat (our middle) was moveable to more in the middle. It was narrow in the bow, as I could not pivot around easily and was squeezed at the hips and knee areas. I'm 6'3" and 215.

It had plenty of room for our gear, as we didn't travel light and set up a basecamp. We were able to easily fish when a solo canoe would have been stuck on shore. It was nice to fish together, although the person in the bow was so far forward and often missed out on the conversation.
blutofish1
distinguished member(1859)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/14/2016 04:39PM  
quote Bigbriwi: "Just got back and we decided to do both. We rented a 3 person and a solo. So while moving from lake to lake we had enough room for all our stuff and the three of us. But when we went fishing and day tripping we all went in the 3 person. It was really the best plan and worked out awesome. There was no way we were fitting all three of us and our gear in that 3 person canoe! "


How was the fishing?
09/14/2016 07:25PM  
quote magaak1: "We had one person drop at the last minute, leaving us with 3 guys, 6'1", 6'3", and 6'5". We looked at the MN III and went with a MN 4 and removed a seat. It was extremely stable, even when empty and fishing in rollers. Hard to make sharp turns at 24' long, but you could really paddle fast on a straight away. Would have been nice if the 3rd seat (our middle) was moveable to more in the middle. It was narrow in the bow, as I could not pivot around easily and was squeezed at the hips and knee areas. I'm 6'3" and 215.


It had plenty of room for our gear, as we didn't travel light and set up a basecamp. We were able to easily fish when a solo canoe would have been stuck on shore. It was nice to fish together, although the person in the bow was so far forward and often missed out on the conversation. "

Very Cool my man. Seems you made the right decision. Next, you'll be advising others. Good for you!
09/14/2016 08:38PM  
.....I'm still amazed his wife let him quote her weight.....
Great idea on the canoe set up and glad you had a good time.
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Trip Planning Sponsor:
Seagull Outfitters