We just completed our first canoeing vacation which included a 3.5 mile portage. This made us think that just maybe we should consider something a tab bit lighter than our Old Town Camper since we absolutely loved the challenges of our canoe vacation and very much desire to do more.

I paddled a Northwind 17 in the blacklite and I very much enjoyed that. What other boats should we paddle? We are lite backpackers so our gear is already very manageable and I dont feel we need anything larger than 17. We do desire a canoe which can handle rough waters and high winds which we experienced on our vacation. Rivers will be included in our adventures but I cant see us paddling a class III.

Thanks!

So you're looking for the perfect Kevlar tandem for the boundary Waters? Or you'll be doing some whitewater stuff too?

As far as a BW canoe, the Northwind and other Bell options are very nice. I've been in a 17 and also this year rented a Souris River Q17 and Wenonah boundary Waters (17). The Northwind seemed to have a little more speed than the last 2 but not as much stability when it was just my wife and me with no gear.

We like to cover water, so we typically rent Wenonah MN II canoes. They're 18.5' long I believe but still a tandem. They fly compared to the 17' boats above, but aren't quite as stable. Beginners may not like one but for covering water efficiently there isn't much that's better. (See this years new border route record and what they were paddling)

The bow of the MN II is ungodly tight; unless your bow paddler is a hobbit, I would pass on that one. That said, I am not a fan of any of the Wenonah boats. Have owned 2, and it did not take long for either to wear down to the kevlar fabric in the bow on both of them, and I do not beat my canoes. Big fan of Swift products, but they are virtually impossible to find in the midwest other than at Rutabaga in Madison.

I’m a big fan of the Souris River Quetico 17 because it is stable and handles rough water well when either loaded or unloaded. That’s important to us because we tend to travel 2 or 3 days and then stay somewhere for a bit and do daytrips and then move and stay... we also do daytrips from our cabin. We also couldn’t care about speed. My wife’s reaction to the record setting paddles, besides being impressed, is “but then you can’t take lots of pictures.” So the Q17 is perfect for us. Have not tried one on a river though. And I’d love to try all the Northstar canoes. But I’m not really looking as we already are happy with our tandems.

Since you say "lite backpackers" (me too) - if you're also smaller-to-medium body sizes, you may want to look at the NS Polaris and/or the NS NW 16.

If you're big folks, the NS NW 17 or 18 is likely one of your best options. Perhaps also the Wenonah Spirit II?

We have a Northwind 17. It's a great BW tripping canoe and paddles nicely unloaded. More bow room than most. Solid choice

sns: "Since you say "lite backpackers" (me too) - if you're also smaller-to-medium body sizes, you may want to look at the NS Polaris and/or the NS NW 16.


..."

I went with the Northstar Polaris as my tandem partially because my gear has all been accumulated from lightweight backpacking and my trips will always be 7 days or less but, also because my south Minneapolis garage is too short to accommodate the 17"6" Northwind 17. The 16'9" Polaris, set kitty cornered, just allows the door to close.

So far, I have just one trip in the Polaris and it performed great. It can also be paddled solo but, it will never replace my Northwind Solo.

Frenchy19: "The bow of the MN II is ungodly tight..."

The bow paddler space in most Bell and Northstar canoes far exceeds that of most Wenonahs. Northwind (Bell or Northstar), NS Polaris or Bell Northstar get my vote.

I like the Wenonah Escape and Minnesota II. I find the bow position conducive to good paddling technique (Myself and my brothers (who I tend to paddle with when tandem) are not small folk though we are not particularly wide folk either). Both hulls are quick and a bit more lively than most. A quick hull means efficiency- you expend less energy to cover similar ground. The Northstar offerings are sweet as well. Composite boats will always lose when rubbed against rock- there is no magic resin or layup that is significantly harder to wear away- however repair of composites is simple and cheap. If you liked the Northwind 17, give the Escape a try. Can't go wrong with either.

I suggest that you test paddle the Northstars both one size down (Polaris and NW16) and one size up (NW18). I think you may find the smaller boats to be sportier and more effortless than the 17 and they can still carry a good load and the 18 might feel noticeably faster through the water while it still handles great...only downside is that it's a touch harder to hold a conversation between both ends of the boat.

I'll plug Nova Craft since they seem to get overlooked a lot around here, but you won't find a more comfortable seat in my opinion, and I'm particularly fond of their gunwales (especially as opposed to Northstar's notoriously uncomfortable aluminum knee-bangers). It's hard to describe, but I find their particular way of doing the float tanks and carry handles to mesh well with the way I like to place loose items like water bottles and whatnot around myself while out and about.

I have a Haida and love it, but I kinda which it was a Cronje. The Pal is a little smaller and might be "Goldilocks" for you.

This spring I was able to compare my 2006 NC Haida against a 2018 or 19 Northstar Northwind 17. The N17 was excellent to be sure, and to buy one would never be a mistake; it was also lighter and a little faster than my Haida, but my Haida was so much more comfortable and would definitely carry more weight if needed.

I paddled a Northstar N17 with the carbon fiber edging and wood seating and yokes and found it to be very comfortable. And all that came in at 41 pounds. I went to this particular dealer because I wanted to test a Cronje but he does not stock that model.

cyclones30: "So you're looking for the perfect Kevlar tandem for the boundary Waters? Or you'll be doing some whitewater stuff too?


As far as a BW canoe, the Northwind and other Bell options are very nice. I've been in a 17 and also this year rented a Souris River Q17 and Wenonah boundary Waters (17). The Northwind seemed to have a little more speed than the last 2 but not as much stability when it was just my wife and me with no gear.

We like to cover water, so we typically rent Wenonah MN II canoes. They're 18.5' long I believe but still a tandem. They fly compared to the 17' boats above, but aren't quite as stable. Beginners may not like one but for covering water efficiently there isn't much that's better. (See this years new border route record and what they were paddling)"

The MN II is at 5 pounds more. In my mind that is a huge difference for 11". I understand length equates to speed but for that price range I desire to be right around 40 pounds.

Frenchy19: "The bow of the MN II is ungodly tight; unless your bow paddler is a hobbit, I would pass on that one. That said, I am not a fan of any of the Wenonah boats. Have owned 2, and it did not take long for either to wear down to the kevlar fabric in the bow on both of them, and I do not beat my canoes. Big fan of Swift products, but they are virtually impossible to find in the midwest other than at Rutabaga in Madison. "

I will give Swift a call and see if I can find a dealer around me!

andym: "I’m a big fan of the Souris River Quetico 17 because it is stable and handles rough water well when either loaded or unloaded. That’s important to us because we tend to travel 2 or 3 days and then stay somewhere for a bit and do daytrips and then move and stay... we also do daytrips from our cabin. We also couldn’t care about speed. My wife’s reaction to the record setting paddles, besides being impressed, is “but then you can’t take lots of pictures.” So the Q17 is perfect for us. Have not tried one on a river though. And I’d love to try all the Northstar canoes. But I’m not really looking as we already are happy with our tandems. "

Going to try and find a Souris dealer thanks!

sns: "Since you say "lite backpackers" (me too) - if you're also smaller-to-medium body sizes, you may want to look at the NS Polaris and/or the NS NW 16.

If you're big folks, the NS NW 17 or 18 is likely one of your best options. Perhaps also the Wenonah Spirit II?"

We are hitting open waters in Maine which are notorious for their winds, so I am hesitant to go shorter the 17'.

Blatz: "We have a Northwind 17. It's a great BW tripping canoe and paddles nicely unloaded. More bow room than most. Solid choice"

Thanks!

Banksiana: "I like the Wenonah Escape and Minnesota II. I find the bow position conducive to good paddling technique (Myself and my brothers (who I tend to paddle with when tandem) are not small folk though we are not particularly wide folk either). Both hulls are quick and a bit more lively than most. A quick hull means efficiency- you expend less energy to cover similar ground. The Northstar offerings are sweet as well. Composite boats will always lose when rubbed against rock- there is no magic resin or layup that is significantly harder to wear away- however repair of composites is simple and cheap. If you liked the Northwind 17, give the Escape a try. Can't go wrong with either."

I will be trying out the Wenonah's this week! Thanks!

justpaddlin: "I suggest that you test paddle the Northstars both one size down (Polaris and NW16) and one size up (NW18). I think you may find the smaller boats to be sportier and more effortless than the 17 and they can still carry a good load and the 18 might feel noticeably faster through the water while it still handles great...only downside is that it's a touch harder to hold a conversation between both ends of the boat."

I will have to look at the 16's. We hit some major winds, 25 mpg to 35 mph in our first canoe trips and I feel the length will help paddling in those conditions that seem to be the normal in Maine.

justenglabs: "Going to try and find a Souris dealer thanks!"

justenglabs, you won't find a Souris River dealer near New Hampshire. There are only two dealers in the US - Walkabout Paddle in Eagle River, WI and Red Rock Outfitters in Ely. There are a small handful of Canadian dealers, but the closest one to you is near Algonquin PP. You might be able to get in on one of their spring delivery runs. Looks like they go as far east as Ottawa. Give them a call to check your options.

As far as length goes, I would suggest not getting a canoe shorter than 17'. The 17 footer will track better, carry a better load and just be an all-around better tripping canoe than anything shorter. If you buy a 16', you'll always wish you had bought the 17'.

justenglabs: "
I will have to look at the 16's. We hit some major winds, 25 mpg to 35 mph in our first canoe trips and I feel the length will help paddling in those conditions that seem to be the normal in Maine."

Can't offer you any advice on boats, but where in Maine are you paddling? I live in Maine, but mostly do river trips.

RTurner: "

justenglabs: "
I will have to look at the 16's. We hit some major winds, 25 mpg to 35 mph in our first canoe trips and I feel the length will help paddling in those conditions that seem to be the normal in Maine."

Can't offer you any advice on boats, but where in Maine are you paddling? I live in Maine, but mostly do river trips."

We completed Eroll to Rangley on NFCT. We went for a practice weekend on Umbagog and venture into very strong winds. We found most east to west paddles interesting with the predominate north the northwest winds. We learned to paddle very early in the morning to avoid winds.

Love my Spirit II!

My wife and I have paddled our Wenonah Spirit II at least 4,000 miles and still love it. Check them out.

justenglabs: "

Banksiana: "I like the Wenonah Escape and Minnesota II. I find the bow position conducive to good paddling technique (Myself and my brothers (who I tend to paddle with when tandem) are not small folk though we are not particularly wide folk either). Both hulls are quick and a bit more lively than most. A quick hull means efficiency- you expend less energy to cover similar ground. The Northstar offerings are sweet as well. Composite boats will always lose when rubbed against rock- there is no magic resin or layup that is significantly harder to wear away- however repair of composites is simple and cheap. If you liked the Northwind 17, give the Escape a try. Can't go wrong with either."

I will be trying out the Wenonah's this week! Thanks!"

Try out the Spirit II and the Champlain as well.
Souris River Quetico 17 is a very comfortable boat too.

I have a Spirit II and agree with the other recommendations to check it out. Its kinda my swiss army knife of canoes. From what I'm told it has decent room in the bow - I don't know that first hand though, I'm always in the stern.

I also have a Bell Northstar, and while it's a 16' boat it's also a versatile boat. I can see where an extra foot would be useful for cargo, especially since the kneeling thwart blocks more space than a regular thwart would. It has room in the bow for days as long as you're not in the NBA.

justenglabs: "

justpaddlin: "I suggest that you test paddle the Northstars both one size down (Polaris and NW16) and one size up (NW18). I think you may find the smaller boats to be sportier and more effortless than the 17 and they can still carry a good load and the 18 might feel noticeably faster through the water while it still handles great...only downside is that it's a touch harder to hold a conversation between both ends of the boat."

I will have to look at the 16's. We hit some major winds, 25 mpg to 35 mph in our first canoe trips and I feel the length will help paddling in those conditions that seem to be the normal in Maine."

If you paddled the NW17 (which is 17.5 feet) and liked it. I agree it's a fine choice and definitely very comfortable and more roomy than the smaller Northstars, but if your load is light, the smaller ones can easily handle those winds (Polaris is 16'9").

I don't necessarily agree that the NW17 paddles well unloaded and I sold mine because I rarely got to carry the 500+ pounds that it likes...but it's always stable and comfortable and handles well in all conditions.

If they sell Swifts near you the Keewaydin 17 would be worth trying.

justpaddlin: "

justenglabs: "

justpaddlin: "I suggest that you test paddle the Northstars both one size down (Polaris and NW16) and one size up (NW18). I think you may find the smaller boats to be sportier and more effortless than the 17 and they can still carry a good load and the 18 might feel noticeably faster through the water while it still handles great...only downside is that it's a touch harder to hold a conversation between both ends of the boat."

I will have to look at the 16's. We hit some major winds, 25 mpg to 35 mph in our first canoe trips and I feel the length will help paddling in those conditions that seem to be the normal in Maine."

If you paddled the NW17 (which is 17.5 feet) and liked it. I agree it's a fine choice and definitely very comfortable and more roomy than the smaller Northstars, but if your load is light, the smaller ones can easily handle those winds (Polaris is 16'9").

I don't necessarily agree that the NW17 paddles well unloaded and I sold mine because I rarely got to carry the 500+ pounds that it likes...but it's always stable and comfortable and handles well in all conditions.

If they sell Swifts near you the Keewaydin 17 would be worth trying."

I'll agree with the NW17 not being real stable when it's unloaded. As I've said elsewhere on here, it paddled like a dream with all our gear and a week's worth of food. But if it was empty other than us (day trip, fishing, etc) and we were broadsided by a gust it was sketchy. After the trip I noticed we were well under the recommended min load for that canoe. We paddled the Wenonah Boundary Waters and Souris River Q17 this year in winds at least as strong empty and didn't have those same feelings.

That is one thing I love about the Spirit II, when not in the BWCA I get it out on area lakes and rivers to paddle around or to fish and it does great without a load as well as loaded down.

Just me, but If I'm paddling class 2 whitewater I don’t want to be in a Kevlar canoe. It takes all the fun out of it. Look for a 17 Penobscot.

HowardSprague: "

justenglabs: "

Banksiana: "I like the Wenonah Escape and Minnesota II. I find the bow position conducive to good paddling technique (Myself and my brothers (who I tend to paddle with when tandem) are not small folk though we are not particularly wide folk either). Both hulls are quick and a bit more lively than most. A quick hull means efficiency- you expend less energy to cover similar ground. The Northstar offerings are sweet as well. Composite boats will always lose when rubbed against rock- there is no magic resin or layup that is significantly harder to wear away- however repair of composites is simple and cheap. If you liked the Northwind 17, give the Escape a try. Can't go wrong with either."

I will be trying out the Wenonah's this week! Thanks!"

Try out the Spirit II and the Champlain as well.
Souris River Quetico 17 is a very comfortable boat too."

Thank you!!

It just so happens that the closest Swift dealership to me is having demo days this Sunday. They will have a Swift Keewaydin 17 to demo. So it looks like a road trip on Sunday.

Update on Monday!

We test paddled a Swift Keewaydin yesterday. We found it to be awesome handling weighted and un-weighted. The Swift seats are also more comfortable then any of the others we paddled. Bill Swift was actually on location yesterday and we found him to be awesome!

Our Swift will be delivered in September!

Thanks everyone for your input!!!

Another Souris River fan here...

walllee: "Another Souris River fan here..."

Would love to test paddle but just not possible for me, sadly. The Swift parade was coming within three hours of me so I met it.

There's a nice prospector posted on this site right now. I have enjoyed the flexibility of that classic hull design for lakes and rivers. No hull will do every job perfectly but if you're only buying one canoe, a prospector is a great choice imo.

justenglabs: "We test paddled a Swift Keewaydin yesterday. We found it to be awesome handling weighted and un-weighted. The Swift seats are also more comfortable then any of the others we paddled. Bill Swift was actually on location yesterday and we found him to be awesome!

Our Swift will be delivered in September!

Thanks everyone for your input!!!
"

Great boat great choice great move. Congrats on your new boat!