BWCA Solo Canoe vs Tandem That Can Solo Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
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WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 07:03AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I've got a bit of a quandary here. I'll most likely purchase a canoe to go to my first Quetico trip (September). Most of my outdoors adventures are with a good friend of mine and a few are solo. I know that next year I'll take two trips and probably the same each year after that. If I get a pure solo boat then my friend will have to rent or buy and I know he won't be able to afford that, therefore he may not be able to go. If I get a tandem boat that can also be paddled solo, I'm covered.

However .... having never used these canoes I don't know the real difference in paddling a tandem/solo canoe in solo mode versus a solo canoe that is MADE to be solo. Obviously a tandem/solo rules out a Swift Pack Boat also.

My REAL issue is thinking I should just do what I need to do (solo boat) and let others worry about themselves, but that's not really my nature. Like many others quite a bit of what I do is to make sure others are taken care of. This normally works out but sometimes I may need to be selfish.

How many of you here have gone through this? Did you end up leaving others behind?
 
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gkimball
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03/11/2019 07:41AM  
I encountered this same issue when I started soloing 7 years ago. I wound up buying a true solo canoe - Wenonah Wilderness - that has served well and renting a good kevlar tandem canoe when going with companions.

It has proven to be a good combination - having a canoe meant for soloing that I know well when I need it, and always having a good state of the art tandem in good shape when with friends.
 
03/11/2019 07:45AM  
Personally I would get a dedicated solo since you'll likely be tripping the most in that boat. Then I would get a used tandem from an outfitter at the end of the season for use to borrow to friends or paddle tandem.

Have you looked at the Swift Keewaytin boats? A tad expensive but a real fine solo at 15 ft. Of course there's Northstar and Wenonah boats also. In May Rutabaga in Madison, WI. will be letting people test paddle all their boats.



 
WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 08:07AM  
gkimball: "I encountered this same issue when I started soloing 7 years ago. I wound up buying a true solo canoe - Wenonah Wilderness - that has served well and renting a good kevlar tandem canoe when going with companions.

It has proven to be a good combination - having a canoe meant for soloing that I know well when I need it, and always having a good state of the art tandem in good shape when with friends."


I've looked at that boat. Looks like it would work with a double bladed paddle.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 08:08AM  
TomT: "Personally I would get a dedicated solo since you'll likely be tripping the most in that boat. Then I would get a used tandem from an outfitter at the end of the season for use to borrow to friends or paddle tandem.

Have you looked at the Swift Keewaytin boats? A tad expensive but a real fine solo at 15 ft. Of course there's Northstar and Wenonah boats also. In May Rutabaga in Madison, WI. will be letting people test paddle all their boats.

"


I've got my eye on a few Swift boats, the Keewaydin specifically but also the Cruiser line. I'm a kayaker now and sitting lower appeals to me.

You might be right on getting two boats. After purchasing what I'd want in a solo I may have difficulties buying another just so someone else can use it, but it comes down to how much I enjoy having my outdoors buddy with me, I suppose.
 
OCDave
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03/11/2019 09:24AM  
My first canoe was the Northstar Northwind Solo. It has been the perfect boat to learn paddle strokes and boat control. I would have most likely been frustrated with a larger boat.

Last sumer I rented at Northstar Polaris to take a trip with my son and now have one on order. We each had the opprtunity to paddle the Polaris Solo. While it was noticably more difficult to gain control in windy conditions, the Polaris would certainly be serviceable for both solo and tandem use. I might eventually sell the Solo and use the Polaris exclusively but, I am fairly certain I would not have enjoyed learning paddling and boat solo boat control skills with the Polaris as my first canoe.

So to address your quandry; from which boat would get more trips? Would you go Solo when your friend could not afford the rental? Would your friend be more easily convinced to come if you already had a serviceable boat.

I went with the Solo because my schedule is far different from any of my friends but, given the opportunity I'd rather share the experience with them.

Good Luck
 
WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 09:49AM  
OCDave: "My first canoe was the Northstar Northwind Solo. It has been the perfect boat to learn paddle strokes and boat control. I would have most likely been frustrated with a larger boat.

Last sumer I rented at Northstar Polaris to take a trip with my son and now have one on order. We each had the opprtunity to paddle the Polaris Solo. While it was noticably more difficult to gain control in windy conditions, the Polaris would certainly be serviceable for both solo and tandem use. I might eventually sell the Solo and use the Polaris exclusively but, I am fairly certain I would not have enjoyed learning paddling and boat solo boat control skills with the Polaris as my first canoe.

So to address your quandry; from which boat would get more trips? Would you go Solo when your friend could not afford the rental? Would your friend be more easily convinced to come if you already had a serviceable boat.

I went with the Solo because my schedule is far different from any of my friends but, given the opportunity I'd rather share the experience with them.

Good Luck
"


I generally schedule almost all of my outings as solo but then invite my buddy. Almost each time he can either go or I can adjust to meet his schedule. He likes the same type of things that I do so it works.

As to which boat would get more trips, if I was to get a solo canoe then he would either have to get his own (rent, buy) or not go. He can't (shouldn't) buy right now and would have to rent each time. Many people rent each time but if you would have gotten one to use multiple times you lose money each time you rent. They just did major house renovations so he WILL able to buy in time, but not this year and maybe not next. He could rent, but not buy. Sometimes not a big leap to buy, but it's still there.

For the other question, it is possible that if I actually had a solo and he didn't have a way to go other than rent, the money could be found next year. Nothing like a "need" to tighten things up and put the pennies (HA!) away to get it done.

An option is to tell him I'm going to buy a solo boat NEXT year, and give him time to react. I'd lose a bit of money by renting this year, and so would HE, but it may also give us a chance to try a few boats out.
 
03/11/2019 10:00AM  
I'd go with the true solo. A tandem/solo is a compromise - jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It won't be the best choice for either solo or tandem, so get one or the other and rent (or buy) the other when necessary. It's harder to coordinate trips with another - you never know when they won't be able to for one reason or another, and you'll end up solo more often and happy that's what you have.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 10:16AM  
boonie: "I'd go with the true solo. A tandem/solo is a compromise - jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It won't be the best choice for either solo or tandem, so get one or the other and rent (or buy) the other when necessary. It's harder to coordinate trips with another - you never know when they won't be able to for one reason or another, and you'll end up solo more often and happy that's what you have. "


Good advice.

Until a few years ago I had not done a solo outing in about 30 years. I did my first solo multi-night backpack camping trip and though I had to get used to being on my own with no outside stimulus, I really enjoyed it. In 2020 I am looking to do multiple 4 day outings instead a few longer ones. My buddy and I can walk for hours and say little to nothing (I like that about him) it is still another human.

I had given thought to when I did go solo about the compromise I would have made if I had bought a tandem/solo. I'd be doing wheelies if I didn't balance right on the tandem and when there was another the craft would be smaller than I'd get on a true tandem.

The problems of trying to be a nice guy!
 
WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 10:38AM  
I've got my eye on some of the new offerings from Swift. Of course that is me saying that and never have tried out the alternatives.

2019 Swift Line
 
WIMike
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03/11/2019 11:03AM  
Similar situation for me. I bought a used tandem for just a few hundred dollars that I used tandem and solo (OT Penobscot 16) and am now getting a new solo. I figured I would get a boat that would cover all trips first and then get a specialty boat later. Now I can trip in my solo and take 2 friends/family in the tandem with me. That strategy works only if you will eventually buy two boats. If you plan on only ever owning one boat I would probably get a solo.
 
03/11/2019 11:56AM  
WonderMonkey: "I've got my eye on some of the new offerings from Swift. Of course that is me saying that and never have tried out the alternatives.

2019 Swift Line "


Just to muddy the water, other alternatives:

Placid Boatworks, Savage River Canoes, Hemlock Canoe.
 
03/11/2019 12:00PM  
And, of course, instead of buying a new solo, you could buy a used solo and used tandem.
 
03/11/2019 01:33PM  
Lot's of solo first opinions, not gonna change that!
You can solo in a tandem not tandem in a solo. Even the dual use canoes are more tandems for small folks than good solo's. Beg borrow or steal some to try out and get a feel for them vs what you like/want/can handle. Test canoe comparisons available at Rutabaga in Madison and several outfitters, also look for canoe nite posted by members Dan from CCS and a bunch used to get together regularly swapping lies and canoes. Or try to get a canoe/paddle/gear compare/tryout/swap going as a Wingnite.

butthead
 
bwcasolo
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03/11/2019 05:07PM  
my vote is for a true solo as well. i started out with a souris river 16 tandem and paddled it solo, but it caught too much wind and was painfully slow.
i own a prism, and have never looked back.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 05:22PM  
boonie: "And, of course, instead of buying a new solo, you could buy a used solo and used tandem. "


True, but I'd probably just do one or the other. Good thought, though.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 05:33PM  
butthead: "Lot's of solo first opinions, not gonna change that!
You can solo in a tandem not tandem in a solo. Even the dual use canoes are more tandems for small folks than good solo's. Beg borrow or steal some to try out and get a feel for them vs what you like/want/can handle. Test canoe comparisons available at Rutabaga in Madison and several outfitters, also look for canoe nite posted by members Dan from CCS and a bunch used to get together regularly swapping lies and canoes. Or try to get a canoe/paddle/gear compare/tryout/swap going as a Wingnite.

butthead"


I may do to some traveling when I have my head right. In my part of Ohio there isn't enough volume to try or look at several at once. Either new or the occasional for sale. Craigslist is my go to. Rutabaga is about seven hours away but I'm willing to drive if I know there is a selection and it would help my choice.
 
MReid
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03/11/2019 05:34PM  
What about buying a solo canoe, and then when your friend comes, split the cost of a rental tandem? And with a solo canoe, you'll be much more likely to paddle outside of major trips--local stuff and the like.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/11/2019 05:36PM  
bwcasolo: "my vote is for a true solo as well. i started out with a souris river 16 tandem and paddled it solo, but it caught too much wind and was painfully slow.
i own a prism, and have never looked back. "


I weigh a very handsome 250 lbs and even in a lean condition would weigh about 225 lbs so any issues with trim would be magnified. Sure, I could put more weight in the front but that would be shaky. I'd have to lure a small bear into the canoe if I got low on food weight.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/12/2019 01:26PM  
MReid: "What about buying a solo canoe, and then when your friend comes, split the cost of a rental tandem? And with a solo canoe, you'll be much more likely to paddle outside of major trips--local stuff and the like."


Another good suggestion from this thread. I would do that if he had a plan to eventually get a solo.

 
DanCooke
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03/12/2019 01:57PM  
I would go true solo.
Learning to paddle well in a true solo will improve your tandem paddle skills as well.

First open Paddle night is April 25th on Nokomis Lake just north of the swimming beach 5 PM to? if we have open water. I will announce other dates as they firm up.
Paddle nights are a informal get together. Bring your own canoe, paddle, and life jacket/ PFD.
(Best to bring a change of clothes in case you get into the water.) I and others can coach some paddle techniques if you wish, there is no formal instruction.

Hope to post some paddle nights in the Twin City metro area later this spring.


 
03/12/2019 03:51PM  
WonderMonkey: "
butthead: "Lot's of solo first opinions, not gonna change that!
You can solo in a tandem not tandem in a solo. Even the dual use canoes are more tandems for small folks than good solo's. Beg borrow or steal some to try out and get a feel for them vs what you like/want/can handle. Test canoe comparisons available at Rutabaga in Madison and several outfitters, also look for canoe nite posted by members Dan from CCS and a bunch used to get together regularly swapping lies and canoes. Or try to get a canoe/paddle/gear compare/tryout/swap going as a Wingnite.


butthead"



I may do to some traveling when I have my head right. In my part of Ohio there isn't enough volume to try or look at several at once. Either new or the occasional for sale. Craigslist is my go to. Rutabaga is about seven hours away but I'm willing to drive if I know there is a selection and it would help my choice."


Rutabaga does carry a good variety stocked in store, biger variety when used items added. Backyard of the store front a canal off the Yahara River so test paddling is a short carry down hill. Pick a weekend and camp at a nearby State Campground.

butthead
 
WonderMonkey
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03/12/2019 06:54PM  
DanCooke: "I would go true solo.
Learning to paddle well in a true solo will improve your tandem paddle skills as well.

First open Paddle night is April 25th on Nokomis Lake just north of the swimming beach 5 PM to? if we have open water. I will announce other dates as they firm up.
Paddle nights are a informal get together. Bring your own canoe, paddle, and life jacket/ PFD.
(Best to bring a change of clothes in case you get into the water.) I and others can coach some paddle techniques if you wish, there is no formal instruction.

Hope to post some paddle nights in the Twin City metro area later this spring.
"


Hi Dan. Love your gear.

That's 10.5 hours away for me but if I was thinking there was close to a 100% chance I'd be able to find what I wanted I'd make that trip.

I know that even though I'm a kayaker I would be considered a rookie when it comes to a canoe. I've done day rentals down a river which requires not much skill all. I've watched plenty of videos which would only allow me to think "I've heard of this technique before" and then I'd fall in and need that change of clothing you mentioned.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/12/2019 07:52PM  
butthead: "
WonderMonkey: "
butthead: "Lot's of solo first opinions, not gonna change that!
You can solo in a tandem not tandem in a solo. Even the dual use canoes are more tandems for small folks than good solo's. Beg borrow or steal some to try out and get a feel for them vs what you like/want/can handle. Test canoe comparisons available at Rutabaga in Madison and several outfitters, also look for canoe nite posted by members Dan from CCS and a bunch used to get together regularly swapping lies and canoes. Or try to get a canoe/paddle/gear compare/tryout/swap going as a Wingnite.

butthead"


I may do to some traveling when I have my head right. In my part of Ohio there isn't enough volume to try or look at several at once. Either new or the occasional for sale. Craigslist is my go to. Rutabaga is about seven hours away but I'm willing to drive if I know there is a selection and it would help my choice."


Rutabaga does carry a good variety stocked in store, biger variety when used items added. Backyard of the store front a canal off the Yahara River so test paddling is a short carry down hill. Pick a weekend and camp at a nearby State Campground.

butthead"


That sounds fun. I'd call to get their inventory first, but your point is still valid.
 
gravelroad
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03/14/2019 04:58PM  
WonderMonkey: "
bwcasolo: "my vote is for a true solo as well. i started out with a souris river 16 tandem and paddled it solo, but it caught too much wind and was painfully slow.
i own a prism, and have never looked back. "



I weigh a very handsome 250 lbs and even in a lean condition would weigh about 225 lbs so any issues with trim would be magnified. Sure, I could put more weight in the front but that would be shaky. I'd have to lure a small bear into the canoe if I got low on food weight."


Step into my parlor, said the 225# spider to the 250>225# fly.

Old Town Penobscot 17, with third seat added for solo use with a double paddle (ignore the Greenland paddle which dripped too much but is otherwise sorely missed now.) You ain't gonna be able to portage enough gear to tax this boat in heavy water, even with two of you, unless your menu plan runs to multiple moose quarters.

It's NOT for sale. ;-)



 
gravelroad
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03/14/2019 05:08PM  
I can hear the shrieks of horror already:

"It's too heavy." Not for someone of the stature of a 225/250 spider or fly.

"It will blow off track without two paddlers." Not when a judicious amount of water ballast is added to the cargo, using bags that can double as water storage bags in camp and are poured out at each portage.

"It's not Kevlar/carbon/ultracool carbon/unobtanium." Yer right. It's also well under $1000 if you find the right used one, which will help pay for gas for trips to the BWCA on a more frequent basis.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/14/2019 07:35PM  
gravelroad: "
WonderMonkey: "
bwcasolo: "my vote is for a true solo as well. i started out with a souris river 16 tandem and paddled it solo, but it caught too much wind and was painfully slow.
i own a prism, and have never looked back. "


I weigh a very handsome 250 lbs and even in a lean condition would weigh about 225 lbs so any issues with trim would be magnified. Sure, I could put more weight in the front but that would be shaky. I'd have to lure a small bear into the canoe if I got low on food weight."


Step into my parlor, said the 225# spider to the 250>225# fly.

Old Town Penobscot 17, with third seat added for solo use with a double paddle (ignore the Greenland paddle which dripped too much but is otherwise sorely missed now.) You ain't gonna be able to portage enough gear to tax this boat in heavy water, even with two of you, unless your menu plan runs to multiple moose quarters.

It's NOT for sale. ;-)



"


Penobscot .... wasn't that Hot Lips Houlihan's husband's last name?

I think people our size are more like large crabs and pterodactyls than spiders and flys, sans the web.

A question that hit me like a .... hit ... is that it never occurred to me that a person could add a seat themselves. I assume you did that on your own?
 
WonderMonkey
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03/14/2019 07:40PM  
gravelroad: "I can hear the shrieks of horror already:

"It's too heavy." Not for someone of the stature of a 225/250 spider or fly.

"It will blow off track without two paddlers." Not when a judicious amount of water ballast is added to the cargo, using bags that can double as water storage bags in camp and are poured out at each portage.

"It's not Kevlar/carbon/ultracool carbon/unobtanium." Yer right. It's also well under $1000 if you find the right used one, which will help pay for gas for trips to the BWCA on a more frequent basis."


I did go look up how much it weighed. Out of the box it's 65 lbs. As you mentioned that's not an obstacle. I'm the pack mule of the family. Sure, I would prefer a canoe to be lighter but if it was a massive concern I could go drop whatever weight off my body to get the same (kindof).

The cost difference to leap into lighter boats is certainly significant. People used to tough it out all the time. I could, if I wanted, simply get a workhorse of a boat like yours to use as a tandem/solo and save my pennies for a true solo in the future if I really felt I wanted it.

I appreciate the info and the photos. Royalex, right?
 
gravelroad
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03/15/2019 07:02AM  
WonderMonkey: "I did go look up how much it weighed. Out of the box it's 65 lbs. As you mentioned that's not an obstacle. I'm the pack mule of the family. Sure, I would prefer a canoe to be lighter but if it was a massive concern I could go drop whatever weight off my body to get the same (kindof).


The cost difference to leap into lighter boats is certainly significant. People used to tough it out all the time. I could, if I wanted, simply get a workhorse of a boat like yours to use as a tandem/solo and save my pennies for a true solo in the future if I really felt I wanted it.


I appreciate the info and the photos. Royalex, right?"


Yep. Friends don't let friends carry the new version, which is godawful heavy polyethylene.

This boat needs a job to do, so remember that when you're going out for a solo paddle or even packing for a trip. Without a substantial amount of weight in it, its mind will wander a bit in strong breezes. But think of the fun you'll have waving to the windbound parties on shore as you cruise by on Saganaga, etc.

The seat is from Essex Industries and I did install it myself. It's held in place with four bolts that come out easily when you go tandem. Be sure to take care with trim and leg room before drilling holes in the gunwales. The seat is easily removed and reinstalled once you have it set up. It uses long bolts and nuts.

Take the canoe and an approximation of the load you’ll have to a calm shore. Have someone watch the canoe trim from shore as you experiment with comfort and load placement. When you arrive at the optimal solution, mark the gunwales on each side with tape where your hips are located. That will be the line for locating the seat.

Put the seat on the gunwales and match its position to the hip line. Put tape at the spots where the seat extensions rest on the gunwale. Measure the seat for future length (i.e., inside the hull), and remember to do that for each seat edge separately, to match the hull curves. Cut the seat LONGER than that and start reducing seat length very gradually until you have a close but not tight fit. Mark holes on the gunwales for drilling. Take the seat out, drill the holes and install the seat. Cut the seat hangers only as much as you want to raise the seat. (With a drill press, you could make even longer hangers if needed.)

I don’t have experience with the combo seat and yoke that Essex offers. It would have to be installed with an eye to both trim and suitability when portaging. Contact Essex and I’m sure they would be helpful.

Essex Industries canoe seats
 
03/15/2019 11:10AM  
One thing soloing a tandem that can not be overcome by physical size or indifference is control.
Soloing a tandem will be an exercise in tracking control and wind effects no matter the skills supplied.

butthead
 
gravelroad
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03/15/2019 02:20PM  
butthead: "One thing soloing a tandem that can not be overcome by physical size or indifference is control.
Soloing a tandem will be an exercise in tracking control and wind effects no matter the skills supplied.

butthead"


That Penobscot 17 with a load in it wants to go in a straight line most of the time. When the paddle forces alternate with a double-bladed paddle, it is one fast and true companion on the water.
 
Solobob1
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03/18/2019 01:38PM  
To me, the biggest concern is weight of you and your gear. If you and your gear can efficiently carried by a solo, go for it. I am 225, trip with my dog (65 pounds not including his pack) and take about 110 pounds of gear (including food) for most of my trips. There are very few solo's that can handle that type of weight. I trip in tandems. I have a a lot of boat control and speed so weather is no more of a concern for me than others in a solo, but then I have a decent set of paddle strokes and can trim my boats well on the fly if needed. My gear is on the heavy side, but I have learned to tump gear and canoe as well - this helps me to endure the ports with heavier loads.

If you have not paddled a tandem solo often, then perhaps a tip with one might not be a great idea and a solo is good option.

Good luck!

PS I may be looking for a solo if I cannot relearn how to paddle as I am not able to kneel anymore. Paddling while sitting is a bit of a challenge for me - so much less power.

Bob.
 
03/18/2019 05:01PM  
If you are coming to canoeing from a kayak you are likely to prefer a solo. Buy the solo of your dreams and pick up a extra for a friend to use. Watch for the deals. Vigilance is key. If you are in the eastern half of Ohio, Chicago is not out of reach for deals. Good boats show up often in the Chicago area. There were several good outfitters there in the past like Chicagoland Canoe Base. Boats bought there decades ago are showing up for sale. Like this one!

https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/boa/d/oak-park-mad-river-liberty-canoe/6843198853.html

There is also an Old Town Canadienne, a fine touring tandem for $600 right now on the Chicago craigslist. Pennsylvania might be in reach if you are in western Ohio. Watch Michigan, too.

I found my MR Indy for $800 in Atlanta. It was unused, but the wood trim was rotten. Cost almost nothing to replace the trim.

I like that new Swift Cruiser though, but I couldn't afford it. I look for deals and fix them up and have a bunch of boats for what I'd pay for a new one. My friends are always happy I have so many in the barn.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/19/2019 10:14AM  
Solobob1: "To me, the biggest concern is weight of you and your gear. If you and your gear can efficiently carried by a solo, go for it. I am 225, trip with my dog (65 pounds not including his pack) and take about 110 pounds of gear (including food) for most of my trips. There are very few solo's that can handle that type of weight. I trip in tandems. I have a a lot of boat control and speed so weather is no more of a concern for me than others in a solo, but then I have a decent set of paddle strokes and can trim my boats well on the fly if needed. My gear is on the heavy side, but I have learned to tump gear and canoe as well - this helps me to endure the ports with heavier loads.

If you have not paddled a tandem solo often, then perhaps a tip with one might not be a great idea and a solo is good option.

Good luck!

PS I may be looking for a solo if I cannot relearn how to paddle as I am not able to kneel anymore. Paddling while sitting is a bit of a challenge for me - so much less power.

Bob."


I've not paddled a canoe solo but I've taken a fair amount of trips with my roto-mold kayak. River based and very short lake based. No portages with that thing.

As for my total weight, I'll probably be lighter than your total but not amazingly so. I'm currently heavier than you but I don't take a dog and the things to support the critter.
Two packs with one being my normal backpack items and the other "extra" and food. I'm not a gram weenie or an ultra-light but since I AM a backpacker I do pay attention to total pack weight and the types of outings I like to do. My biggest weight will be myself, which does drive the size and type of vessel I will use.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/19/2019 10:20AM  
sedges: "If you are coming to canoeing from a kayak you are likely to prefer a solo. Buy the solo of your dreams and pick up a extra for a friend to use. Watch for the deals. Vigilance is key. If you are in the eastern half of Ohio, Chicago is not out of reach for deals. Good boats show up often in the Chicago area. There were several good outfitters there in the past like Chicagoland Canoe Base. Boats bought there decades ago are showing up for sale. Like this one!

https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/boa/d/oak-park-mad-river-liberty-canoe/6843198853.html

There is also an Old Town Canadienne, a fine touring tandem for $600 right now on the Chicago craigslist. Pennsylvania might be in reach if you are in western Ohio. Watch Michigan, too.

I found my MR Indy for $800 in Atlanta. It was unused, but the wood trim was rotten. Cost almost nothing to replace the trim.

I like that new Swift Cruiser though, but I couldn't afford it. I look for deals and fix them up and have a bunch of boats for what I'd pay for a new one. My friends are always happy I have so many in the barn."


I've considered buying one (some) fixer-uppers but I'm doubting my ability to be competent at it. Failure due to me not knowing what I'm doing would suck when I way away from help. Sure it could happen anyway, but no doubt if it DOES happen it would be because I'm not good at it. However, I'm not totally against considering it. I have no idea how to repair and fix up but I do need those basic skills. The question is if I wanted to start with a 100% serviceable craft and go from there or one that needs fixed upon purchase?
 
Solobob1
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03/19/2019 10:22AM  
A Wenonah Encounter is a bit narrower than a Prism. Both sound like they would suit your needs. The Encounter can handle a 250 paddler easy enough for day trips and 400 plus pounds for expeditions.

A Nova Craft Pal or Cronje I believe is an excellent solo for larger guys. They paddle beautiful for lager guys. Loads of 350 to 400 is right in their well house for easy paddling, and a ton more for expedition type trips. Empty they are great for just paddling or fishing - might need a water bag in the bow if it gets windy and only you in the boat.

It is tough to find a solo that is happy with 350 or more pounds in it. My avatar is of me in a Nova Craft Pal on a trip to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. I did not have a dog but had two packs as it was a 32 day trip. The boat was nowhere near capacity and moved along well, very maneuverable and fast - pretty good in the wind also.

Bob.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/19/2019 11:51AM  
Solobob1: "A Wenonah Encounter is a bit narrower than a Prism. Both sound like they would suit your needs. The Encounter can handle a 250 paddler easy enough for day trips and 400 plus pounds for expeditions.

A Nova Craft Pal or Cronje I believe is an excellent solo for larger guys. They paddle beautiful for lager guys. Loads of 350 to 400 is right in their well house for easy paddling, and a ton more for expedition type trips. Empty they are great for just paddling or fishing - might need a water bag in the bow if it gets windy and only you in the boat.

It is tough to find a solo that is happy with 350 or more pounds in it. My avatar is of me in a Nova Craft Pal on a trip to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. I did not have a dog but had two packs as it was a 32 day trip. The boat was nowhere near capacity and moved along well, very maneuverable and fast - pretty good in the wind also.

Bob."


I like the looks of both of the Wenonahs. I'm not familiar with the Nova Craft Pal or the Conje but I'll put that on the list to look at later tonight.

I would think 350 lbs is my upper limit but I'd have to pack for a trip and weigh it all to know for sure.
 
03/19/2019 01:02PM  
Prism and Encounter are pretty much the same width in the water. Encounter has a bit wider maximum width (31.5" to 30.75") and a bit smaller width at the 4" waterline (29" to 29.75"). The gunwales are a narrower due to the depth of the hull. The Encounter likes big loads but is subject to being pushed by the wind.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/19/2019 03:55PM  
Banksiana: "Prism and Encounter are pretty much the same width in the water. Encounter has a bit wider maximum width (31.5" to 30.75") and a bit smaller width at the 4" waterline (29" to 29.75"). The gunwales are a narrower due to the depth of the hull. The Encounter likes big loads but is subject to being pushed by the wind."


With the prism being narrower at the top, is there any issues with getting pack inside? I assume if so it's easy to overcome else they would have changed it.
 
03/19/2019 05:32PM  
The Encounter is a little narrower at the gunwales but the difference is only an inch. Both boats have plenty of width to accommodate all but the widest portage packs.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/20/2019 06:38AM  
Banksiana: "The Encounter is a little narrower at the gunwales but the difference is only an inch. Both boats have plenty of width to accommodate all but the widest portage packs."


Thanks.
 
03/22/2019 12:08PM  
I've been using a Wenonah Jensen 17' for my solo trips. The Jensen is a tandem with a center solo seat. My canoe is wider in the center than in a true solo canoe, so I have to adjust how I paddle and or sit. My paddle enters the water at a slight angle rather than being perpendicular to the water. A shorter solo is a lot easier to control than my 17', especially on windy days and narrow bends in rivers. The nice things is that I have a little more room for my packs. I bought the 17' with the idea I would be using it both as a tandem and solo. It turns out I mainly use it as a solo. If I were to purchase another canoe for soloing I'd most likely get a true solo.
 
primitiveguy
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03/24/2019 06:07PM  
In 2012 I saw two canoes in the North bay of Basswood. Each was a tandem canoe in red gelcoat with only a single rear paddler and a full enough load to trim each boat nicely. It was extremely early in the morning and I’ve often wondered what all the details of that trip were exactly. There are many, many ways to undertake a canoe trip and that opened my mind to another possibility!
 
03/25/2019 07:25PM  
I had both the encounter and prism. Both are very good tripping boats. My encounter worked better when I had a big dog. When she died it was a little too much volume of a boat. The prism was a dream to me to paddle and trip in. That would be my vote.
I think Ken described the paddling a tandem solo best... can be done, but it would be way more worth splitting the rental cost of a tandem when needed and buy the solo.
 
WonderMonkey
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03/26/2019 01:32PM  
Thanks to all who have chimed in with their thoughts and advice. It's very helpful.
 
mapsguy1955
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04/14/2019 12:57PM  
I have only done one solo, with another coming in September but I rented a Souris River Tranquility. It was fast but felt a bit tippy. Certainly light enough to portage easily.
 
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