I've taken numerous (20+) canoe trips into the BWCA, but will be going in solo for the first time next week - 4 days, 3 nights. Plan to set up base camp, and take some day excursions, mostly to fish. I'm renting a solo canoe through an Ely outfitter. 1) Because of weight, I'd like to go with either the Prism or the Encounter. I am a large person - 6'7, 240 pounds. Any suggestions on which might be a better canoe for me? 2) Also, any tips for landing and launching a solo canoe? I plan to have one larger and one smaller backpack. 3) Finally, any ideas for a good adventure or wilderness book to bring along? I've read a lot of Bryson, Krakaeur and Sigurd Olsen, as well Cheryl Strayed's book about the PCT. Any other good ones? Thanks!

I would suggest the Prism unless you are carrying over 100# of gear. The high sides of the Encounter catch a good deal more wind. Put the big pack in the back and the small in front.

Might consider "Coming Into the Country" by John McPhee.

I can only suggest a book. Quetico Adventures by Tim Mead

Bush Pilots by Bob Cary. This is pretty cool and it comes with an audio cd. I believe it's an interview with an old pilot.

Sometimes I have just gone into the Piragis (2nd floor) bookstore and picked up something for the trip at the last minute. There's some good ones there.

Laker-

(1) Can't help, I'm much smaller (2) If you're inexperienced with solo canoes, it may feel a little tippy at first. When you enter it, make sure you step on the center line while holding both gunwales and keep your weight low. Put the packs as Banksiana said; you can move the front one back and forth to adjust trim as wind conditions change. Watch that your canoe doesn't drift away (especially if windy) at landings while you unload. (3) Lots of options: Lost in the Wild, A Death on the Barrens, Canoeing with the Cree, Great Heart (The History of a Labrador Adventure) or any of the three original stories books it's a history of - The Lure of the Labrador Wild, The Long Labrador Trail, A Woman's Way Through Unknown Labrador. Most of the originals may be out of print and hard to locate, but worth reading. They are available as free downloads though at places on the internet.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Tie a painter line onto the bow and hold on to it as you get in or out at trickier landings. Like Boonie said, you don't want that boat slipping away from you. If it does, you are either swimming or waiting for the next kind souls to come by to help you.

A little less contemporary, but try Millard's "River of Doubt" about T Roosevelts trip through the Amazon; it will stop you from complaining about portages.

I am 6' 2" and prefer my SRQ16 to my Magic for fishing. Bigger guys have higher centers of gravity which accent the tippy feeling of some thinner solo boats. If you primarily troll it's not a big deal. If you like to slowly drift and cast or jig you will prefer a wider craft. Using a kayak paddle helps some also because you almost always have a blade in the water so this gives you better feel and kind of acts like an outrigger.
Only book I've ever taken up north is my bible.

Thanks for the suggestions!

2) take your time and take it easy launching and landing. A painter line can also be really nice for mooring the boat while you unload bags , gear, etc., and prepare for portaging. You'll get the hang of it and find a sequence or at least a rythm after a few stops.
3) I'm reading Half An Inch of Water. It's a great collection of short stories mostly set out west with outdoor themes.

I struggled first time getting into solo - didn't get wet though - and its gotten only easier. I holed both gunwales - put one foot in center, and sit. Then lift second foot into canoe - the hardest part.

I suspect you will find it easier with packs in canoe than empty and day tripping. Just beware after a first day with gear the empty boat might surprise.

What Bill said. Put one foot in the center and get your butt in the seat. You do not have another person to steady the canoe.

I you have a few extra minutes, paddle each boat with gear and see which one you like.

#1 Prism
#2 Launch/land parallel to shore. 3points of contact (like both hands and a foot) and get get your butt on the seat asasp. Generally I have the heavier pack behind me and the lighter pack in front. However, if paddling into a strong headwind, reverse it.
#3 What I've started doing is rereading the classics (or those I was suppose to read in high school) like Mark Twain, Jules Verne, HG Wells, Charles Dickens ... you get the idea.