This years trip I am going from Crane Lake to Grand Portage with my 16 yr. old son. We plan to go light and single portage at least near the end of the trip. We do plan to do some fishing but this isn't a fishing trip. He is 5'7" 135lbs. I am 5'7" 180lbs. I currently own a SR Quetico 18.5 and have used one on trips the last 5 years when it has been myself and my 2 sons. Unfortunately my older son has a summer internship and is unable to go on this years trip. A friend has offered me to use an older Wenonah Sundowner, 17 ft. and has Kevlar 49 on the side. I am having a hard time finding the specs for this canoe. Right now I am thinking I should take the Sundowner. Do you agree? I've never been in a Sundowner and do plan to test it out this spring.

17' should be plenty for the two of you.
I'd lean towards the lighter of the two, so long as you feel comfortable in it.
An afternoon test paddle with added weight, should tell you for sure !

Jim

They seem to be the same weight - maybe sundowner is less if the ultralight model. I'm like the toughness of the Souris River.

Either will be part of a great trip I'm sure.

the border route has some big lakes. the SR canoe is bigger and has some rocker, the wenonah has none that i can tell. for big water i always want a boat with rocker.