Looking at getting a solo canoe for tripping in a variety of places from the Everglades to Wabikimi, maybe even the Coppermine River but can’t imagine hauling a boat that far. I’m 6’ 2”, 210 and travel relatively light but wouldn’t call myself a minimalist. Would want to do some fishing. Flat water only; lakes and slow rivers and creeks. I’m looking at a Prism, Magic or Northwind Solo. I know there are other boats but I placed a deposit with Rutabaga so I’m committed to buying from them. I will test paddle, with boat loaded and unloaded, before buying. Obviously all three are good boats and test paddling will be crucial but are all three of these boats suitable for extended (2 weeks or more) tripping? Should I consider a Voyageur? My budget is $2500-2800. I currently use a two bladed paddle and am not a kneeler. I'm a strong but not skilled paddler. Capacity for a 2 week or longer trip without resupply is my primary question but I’m open to thoughts on fishability or other thoughts on boat capabilities. Thanks.

I enjoy my Northstar Solo and would endorse it however, if you are committed to the double bladed paddle the Magic is probably a better choice (narrower).

I look forwaed to learning what you ultimately choose.

I'm not completely devoted to a double paddle but like it when I solo my OT Penobscot 16. I also like it when fishing because I can set the paddle in my lap and make quick corrections easily. Your point on canoe width is well made
but I'm a little concerned about the carrying capacity of the Bell for extended trips due in part to its narrower design. I don't want to be pushing the limits when on big water. Perhaps I'm worrying for no reason.

I would think the difference in 1 and 2 weeks of tripping is one extra bag that has your food and slightly more items for fishing, spare socks, etc. With that in mind, I think the Magic and Solo (I don't know the Prism) are valid and it may come down to which crafts talks to you when you test paddle them. I do agree with OCDave that the double-bladed paddle will more naturally work with the Magic but due to your height, you may feel confined and unstable. This is just a canoe illusion, one that will go away quickly, but it's there for many initially.

The Wenonah Wilderness is known as a good choice for many conditions, plus is it easy to load due to its width. Not as fast as a Prism but more stable and handles well in wind and waves. Adjustable seat is also a nice feature. I have had one for going on 7 years and never been disappointed. Works great with a kayak paddle in open water and regular paddle in streams and near shore.

Too bad - sounds like a SR Tranquility would fit the bill perfectly. It likes a double blade paddle much more than a Magic and is a great fishing solo. The Northwind Solo might do well with a double blade but I've never paddled one.

I agree with WonderMonkey, be sure to paddle them all and one will talk to you.

I test paddled all 3 last year and went into it thinking the Prism would be the boat for me (and the Magic coming in last) just reading reviews, but the Magic was the clear winner for me, followed closely by the NW Solo and then the Prism.

I enjoy fishing, but I am smaller than you (5'11", 175 lbs). Regardless, even if we were the same size, you might have a completely different order.

Enjoy the process! I sure did.

I'm not an expert, but have paddled all three. You didn't really say what your weight would be for a 2-week trip, but I'll assume not much different than mine - about 60 Lbs. I think any of the three could handle that, but I also weigh 60 lbs. less than you.

I would get the Northwind solo for what you describe. It would be a little more maneuverable for rivers than the other two, although the Magic would be faster. I paddle it fine with a double blade paddle. The Prism was the one I liked least, but others have exactly the opposite rating.

I paddle a Magic with double blade and three packs. I am confident there is plenty of room for one more pack with food for an extended trip. The narrow gunnels make for nice double blade paddling but do take a little adjusting to fit the load. I tilt my packs to get them in the boat, but they ride nicely wedged in place. You might want to take your packs stuffed light to check how they fit in the different boats. Trying is such a good idea before buying.
You might also want to consider a foot brace. Especially with the double blade the foot brace gives a nice support.

I did and 27 day trip with a resupply in the middle with my Prism last fall. I have nothing but great things to say about the canoe. I put my big pack CCS pioneer behind me and I used a blue barrel with the CCS barrel harness and put that in the bow. They both fit perfectly and were easy to get in and out due to Dan placing the hand straps in ideal locations. I have the sliding tractor seat so it was easy to trim when my food barrel got lighter. I did not use a seat back or cushion and was impressed with it's comfort. I did not use a double paddle but it would be a great canoe for one. I also liked the Chosen Valley portage yoke and had zero issues with it. I have read other threads where people did not like it at all but was flawless for me.
I have not used the other canoes you mentioned but I'm sure they are great too.

"Prism, Magic or Northwind Solo." open up your choices there are many more and some unlisted by makers like Wenonah Advantage still made often not listed.
The Voyager is a fine distance traveler, fast and efficient you just need to learn it's quirks as with all solo's, it can get difficult with a tailing wind, learn to deal or pick yer paddling days carefully. I'm a proponent of trying first then deciding. You can learn to deal with just about anything but it's so much easier to start off comfortable. My example is the Prism, don't like it and have paddled it and lots of other solos from Wenonah/Bell/Souris River/Mad River. Out of my list of lake boats it competes last, my opinion and obviously not many others.

butthead

Thanks for all the replies, I'll take every bit of info I can get. To reiterate, I will most definitely test paddle before buying and will test both loaded and unloaded.

WonderMonkey--yea, you're probably right about the difference between a week and 2 weeks not being terribly great. Partly I want to make sure I can take enough gear/food for 2 weeks and take more than minimal fishing gear too.

gkimball--I've thought about the Wilderness, that adjustable seat looks interesting. Does the seat squeak when paddling or shifting your weight?

PortageKeeper--the Tranquility does sound like a good boat for my needs. Wish Rutabaga carried SR so I could test paddle it.

Driftless--oh yea, definitely enjoying the process.

boonie--the weight I carry varies depending on whether it's primarily a fishing trip or a sightseeing trip. I'm one of those fishermen whose worst fear is not having enough lures along even though a person really only needs 6-8 different types of baits and a couple different colors of each.

bhouse46--I like the foot brace suggestion.

minnmike--thanks for the portage yoke suggestion. It will be interesting to see if the test paddle changes my preference order.

butthead--I had forgotten about the Advantage but will look into it.

OCDave: "I enjoy my Northstar Solo and would endorse it however, if you are committed to the double bladed paddle the Magic is probably a better choice (narrower).


I look forwaed to learning what you ultimately choose."

When I owned my Northwind solo I used a double bladed paddle quit a bit. It worked great. The Advantage is an awesome canoe. Probable my favorite BW canoe of all time.

The adjustable seat in the Wenonah Wilderness doesn't make any noise while paddling. I always put it in the lower position when paddling for greater stability. Mine also has a foot brace, and as suggested above it does add to comfort and stability.

Just for the sake of argument I have done over 20 three week trips in Q & WC and have never used a solo canoe. I prefer to sit in the stern where it is easy to troll and for me to paddle. I stick one of my packs in the bow and the other and my day pack in between. This gives me lots of room. In the rare cases when it is really stormy I have to move up about two feet so I simply have the stern thwart removed. When I go out fishing at night I take the food pack and shove it in the bow. I guess I am just too stuborn and satisfied to change.

If I didn't fish I think I would love any of the solos. I have a Magic and like it for traveling my local lake. I will fish windblown shorelines and mid lake humps and for me it was a little too unstable (6'2", 205). I prefer a SRQ16 tandem paddled from the bow seat in reverse. I can still keep a 4mph pace with a yak paddle vs 5mph with my Magic.

AmarilloJim: "If I didn't fish I think I would love any of the solos. I have a Magic and like it for traveling my local lake. I will fish windblown shorelines and mid lake humps and for me it was a little too unstable (6'2", 205). I prefer a SRQ16 tandem paddled from the bow seat in reverse. I can still keep a 4mph pace with a yak paddle vs 5mph with my Magic."

That’s interesting because I briefly thought about getting a tandem that can be soloed either by sitting in the bow and facing backward or adding a middle seat ( I know width would be an issue). I have an OT Penobscot 16 that I solo and it works OK but I want a lighter boat and figured a dedicated solo would be better. I’m curious though which Wenonah and Northwind tandem canoes are symmetrical enough to solo decently. I might check into that.

WIMike: "

AmarilloJim: "If I didn't fish I think I would love any of the solos. I have a Magic and like it for traveling my local lake. I will fish windblown shorelines and mid lake humps and for me it was a little too unstable (6'2", 205). I prefer a SRQ16 tandem paddled from the bow seat in reverse. I can still keep a 4mph pace with a yak paddle vs 5mph with my Magic."

That’s interesting because I briefly thought about getting a tandem that can be soloed either by sitting in the bow and facing backward or adding a middle seat ( I know width would be an issue). I have an OT Penobscot 16 that I solo and it works OK but I want a lighter boat and figured a dedicated solo would be better. I’m curious though which Wenonah and Northwind tandem canoes are symmetrical enough to solo decently. I might check into that. "

I know a few of them are made to solo AND tandem, by design. I'd have to look at each ones but if you look at them you can see how they removed (or moved) the cross piece to make it easy to turn it around and have at it.

WonderMonkey: "

WIMike: "

AmarilloJim: "If I didn't fish I think I would love any of the solos. I have a Magic and like it for traveling my local lake. I will fish windblown shorelines and mid lake humps and for me it was a little too unstable (6'2", 205). I prefer a SRQ16 tandem paddled from the bow seat in reverse. I can still keep a 4mph pace with a yak paddle vs 5mph with my Magic."

That’s interesting because I briefly thought about getting a tandem that can be soloed either by sitting in the bow and facing backward or adding a middle seat ( I know width would be an issue). I have an OT Penobscot 16 that I solo and it works OK but I want a lighter boat and figured a dedicated solo would be better. I’m curious though which Wenonah and Northwind tandem canoes are symmetrical enough to solo decently. I might check into that. "

I know a few of them are made to solo AND tandem, by design. I'd have to look at each ones but if you look at them you can see how they removed (or moved) the cross piece to make it easy to turn it around and have at it."

They make a SRQ16 solo. The bow seat is moved up 6" but then you need a removable yoke. I prefer the tandem as a solo. I like having the stern seat in there because I can put my paddles and fillet board under it while portaging. I don't even need to tie them in they stay in great. I turned my yoke around because I usually have more weight under my bow seat.

Going to muddy the waters a little more. I solo a Wenonah Boudry Waters 16. I like tandem boats for the stability, capacity and flexibility when I paddle with someone. I'll go with a solo when I can't carry the tandem anymore ....which is coming very soon. Part of the reason why I'm so interested in this conversation about solo boats.
That aside, I rig my boat(s) with a center seat yoke from Spring Creek. I also use a seat back and have mounted a foot brace for comfort. I use a double blade paddle...easy to set on lap while fishing and I seem to be able to keep up just fine. This set up works well for me. The selection of quality boats out there is endless! As others have stated paddle some boats and pick what you're most comfortable with based on how you like to trip!
Safe travels.......

I couldn’t get comfortable in the northwind solo. I tried and tried... I thought the foot brace wasn’t adjusted right. But tried everything to no avail. The Prism was the sweetest boat I ever owned.

bhouse46: "You might also want to consider a foot brace. Especially with the double blade the foot brace gives a nice support."

Yes, this is a very good idea. Try to get the foot braces that attach near the sides instead of a bar going across. The bar could be a problem fitting packs.

Also, the northwind solo is the better boat to fish from (so I've heard).

I'm late to this party but I will second the motion on the Wilderness.
I got my first one just last year and wish I had bought one when I first had the notion about 15 years ago.
I will paddle and trip in this boat until I can no longer get on the water.

Prism, Wilderness or Advantage for Wenonah brand. I personally would not choose a Magic--although they do look like a work of art. Seems too narrow to me. Capacity issues for extended tripping.
I paddle a Prism solo with a double blade. Great match. Consider: A canoe with significant tumblehome does not tolerate torso leaning--and zero tolerance past the rails. ;-) Keep centered on those and you're golden. In particular, that would include the Prism and Advantage.

Here's another boat to consider. I bought possibly the last one that Swift made of these at Canoecopia as they are not producing them anymore but have kept the mold and will build on request. Swift Shearwater

The one I bought is in Kevlar Fusion with carbon fiber gunwales and cherry thwarts and seat. The price was dropped to 2895.00 It weighs around 31 lbs and is a large capacity solo that is perfect for long trips with my 50 lb. dog. I think you would be able to go through Rutabaga to buy one but not sure.

I don't have the boat yet as they took it back to their shop for a couple of mods. I pick it up May 4th at Rutabaga. If I see you there you are welcome to test paddle it. BTW, I'm pretty sure it was you that chatted with me on a portage last Sept. in Quetico. Somewhere around Maria or Batchewaung lake I recall. We were both solo and I had Luna with me.

TomT: "Here's another boat to consider. I bought possibly the last one that Swift made of these at Canoecopia as they are not producing them anymore but have kept the mold and will build on request. Swift Shearwater

The one I bought is in Kevlar Fusion with carbon fiber gunwales and cherry thwarts and seat. The price was dropped to 2895.00 It weighs around 31 lbs and is a large capacity solo that is perfect for long trips with my 50 lb. dog. I think you would be able to go through Rutabaga to buy one but not sure.

I don't have the boat yet as they took it back to their shop for a couple of mods. I pick it up May 4th at Rutabaga. If I see you there you are welcome to test paddle it. BTW, I'm pretty sure it was you that chatted with me on a portage last Sept. in Quetico. Somewhere around Maria or Batchewaung lake I recall. We were both solo and I had Luna with me.
Thanks for the suggestion on the Shearwater and the offer to test paddle. I've never been to Quetico so that was someone else.





"

WIMike: "

TomT: "
Thanks for the suggestion on the Shearwater and the offer to test paddle. I've never been to Quetico so that was someone else.
"

Hmmm. The person I met said he posts under Wisconsin Mike. Now I'm curious. The offer stands though. You are welcome to meet me there and paddle it if you like.

mjmkjun: "Prism, Wilderness or Advantage for Wenonah brand. I personally would not choose a Magic--although they do look like a work of art. Seems too narrow to me. Capacity issues for extended tripping.
I paddle a Prism solo with a double blade. Great match. Consider: A canoe with significant tumblehome does not tolerate torso leaning--and zero tolerance past the rails. ;-) Keep centered on those and you're golden. In particular, that would include the Prism and Advantage. "

"

Just a note. Advantage and Magic are almost identical in width (29.5" vs 29" respectively) and the Magic carries its width farther (the hull a bit fuller). I would consider capacity between the two hulls similar- maybe a slight advantage to the Magic. The Magic is noticeably more comfortable in heavy seas, especially perpendicular to travel. It's much easier to stay upright in difficult situations in the Magic; it is simply more forgiving of operator error. The Advantage is noticeably faster and tracks straighter. Its speed advantage increases when paddled with a light load. I've paddled an Advantage since 86- and I love the hull; I think it is a beautiful shape.

TomT

Hmmm. The person I met said he posts under Wisconsin Mike. Now I'm curious. The offer stands though. You are welcome to meet me there and paddle it if you like.


"

Maybe I have a BWCA.com doppelganger. Thanks