We take two to three groups up to Seagull every fall, last week of September. Sometimes we stay on Seagull, other times we do the one portage into Alpine. Some fish, some explore, some just hang out in camp.

Last year it was cold, snowed on us, and waves on Seagull. Year before it was warm, but rainy and waves on Seagull. Year prior to that, really nice and in the 70's, no waves

When the wind and waves pick up we are pretty much grounded. I picked up a Hurricane Tracer 165 which is a lightweight touring kayak. Weighs only 5 more pounds then a kevlar canoe. Going to experiment with bringing that up, and then renting kevlar canoes as normal. Looking to see how the Tracer handles the wind and waves. One person's gear easily fits inside the hatches, and we will have just one portage at most.
Hurricane Tracer 165

I think you'll like the 'yak on Seagull. My wife and I took a couple of sea kayaks to Saganaga for a late October trip a few years ago and it worked out great. I generally prefer canoes for BW trips, but if there are not many portages I think the kayaks work well and are a lot of fun.

Have a great trip!

I got tired of being "beached" last year due to wind and waves. The Tracer would have no problem with either. It also weighs no more then the kevlar canoes. I am working on a system with small drybags in hatches, daisy chained to each other, so at the portage I pull out the daisy chain with drybags, drop them into the pack kept behind the seat, put the pack on, put the portage yoke on, and away we go. . .single portage.

It will definitely do better in wind and waves than a canoe. It is easier to self rescue than a canoe if you know how and bring along the right gear. If you haven’t already taken one, find a basic kayaking class that teaches self rescue and multi boat rescues. And, if you really want to be bulletproof, continue on to develop a roll. That’s the step I haven’t done.

Sounds like you have a good plan for portaging.

There's always the Canak, best of both worlds.

I have taken training on wet exits, solo self rescue (with and without paddle float) and righting yourself using the bow of another kayak or canoe. Took a class on rolling, but not there yet.

I have paddled small rec boats right up to 18 foot kevlar Seaward kayaks. I can't wrap around someone taking a 10 to 12 foot rec boat to the BWCA. Other then being a little easier to fish out of, it doesn't bring anything else to the plate. And they weigh more then my 17 foot Tracer.

Just picked up a second touring kayak. A Necky Narpa. At 64 lbs, it is heavier then the Tracer (49 lbs), but carries more gear and is much tougher for areas with rocks. Will take both on an overnight camping trip locally with some guys to see if we can make these work for BWCA. Criteria is that ALL gear must go in the front and back hatches, (NOTHING on the decks) and we can carry the kayaks on our shoulders with the yokes. Will see.