I'm curious about what boat size does to cargo capacity. I think it does BIG things. Like a somewhat larger boat can carry a LOT more. Is it one of those exponential things?

I've read the explanations of why we can't put a number to the weight, or why the makers don't like doing that.

I suppose I'm specifically thinking of the difference in cargo capacity of the Minn3 vs the Minn2.

If we don't want to fuss w a M3, let's substitute any freighter type big hull you like to compare to a smaller one.

I recall reading about Voyageur Canoes -- which were 36 feet -- and how they hauled 8-10 guys plus 3 tons of cargo. That's almost 4 tons. Crazy.

Jeff, The MN3 can handle at least 350 to 400 more weight then a MN2. MN3 in a nice canoe that can easily be paddled with 2 people and no weight. A very nice canoe.

Bruce Barton

Thanks Bruce!

I used to think about setting a 17' canoe next to an 18' canoe and looking at the difference in size at the bow... a small, narrow little extra amount of room on the 18-footer.

Actually, the difference in size is in the middle at the center thwart. That one-foot of extra space measures 12" x 36" x 14". That's why an 18' canoe seems so much bigger.

For a 20' canoe, you can do the math, but it would be a lot of cargo capacity!!

North Star publishes their capacity by model. You could look up their differences as a rough comparison

Our mn3 20 foot can carry 5 duluth packs, 3 kids under the age of 10, 2 adults, fishing gear and a dog (lab). Now that 2 of our kids are teens they can no longer share a seat so we have to bring the mn3 and our spirit 2.

Yes. It makes a huge difference. Longer boat should have a wider beam too. I’m not sure if the accurate term is exponential or not, but it is one of those things where a seemingly small bit makes a world of diffeeence. Kind of like how a 5 inch screen has 50% more area than a 4 inch screen.

I built a 19 1/2 ft boat last year compared to my previous freedom 17. I fit the same load into my 19 1/2 ft as I did in the 17 ft for yrs. it was a tight squeeze into the 17 ft. But Difference now is I have an entire section between the yoke and rear thwart wide open in the 19 1/2 ft.That’s how big of a difference it makes!!

Northwind 20 has 600-1000 lb optimal load and 36" width. The 18 has 400-700 lbs and same width.

Thanks!

now the downside.. The swing radius on those tight portage turns... We had some in Wabakimi where even an 18 footer was a problem

for straight runnin' boats I dream of a rudder...

we had a Kruger rudder once in a no-rocker wenonah. it was pure delight! why did i sell that boat??

it was kind of soul-less, i guess. it was a Sundowner 18.5. seemed severe.

someday i'll get a sexy 14 ft lightweight boat w a bit of rocker... something like a Bell Northstar Merlin -- one of those cool names.

but in the meantime and for a different duty this Minn3 will be fun on big water w a buncha friends

JeffOYB: "for straight runnin' boats I dream of a rudder...


we had a Kruger rudder once in a no-rocker wenonah. it was pure delight! why did i sell that boat??


it was kind of soul-less, i guess. it was a Sundowner 18.5. seemed severe.


someday i'll get a sexy 14 ft lightweight boat w a bit of rocker... something like a Bell Northstar Merlin -- one of those cool names.


but in the meantime and for a different duty this Minn3 will be fun on big water w a buncha friends
"

Sellers remorse.. LOL . we have all done that I think. Yes it will be a blast.. Where are you going?