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martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/23/2020 12:39PM  
Soloing in a 3/4 empty canoe seems inefficient especially in the wind. So that had me thinking of this canoe. For me flat water at this stage in the game. At 5-11 170 and say 60 lbs of gear this should be a doable option right?
Any owners have any thoughts? Or pictures of yours loaded with gear would be awesome to see.
Thanks
 
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PVnRT
senior member (86)senior membersenior member
  
11/23/2020 01:43PM  
I have tripped with a Trillium and think it performs extremely well. I'm 5"10, 165lbs., and carry two packs--about 35-40lbs. behind the seat and 15-20 in bow. It handles that well-balanced load without any problem. The other gigantic advantage of tripping in the Trillium is that when out fishing from camp with barely any weight, it is a joy! Nimble, and so light that you won't hesitate portaging into those teeny weeny offshoot creeks and ponds. Just curious, have you soloed with your Northwind 16 and found problematic? I used to own one of those in Royalex but only paddled it with a partner. One of my favorite boats.
 
martian
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11/23/2020 02:03PM  
Thanks for the reply. Sounds awesome! I love the NW16. When I solo it, it just seems like a lot of empty space. In the wind it is somewhat of a challenge. I'm by far from a great paddler though so that's on me. It would save weight and should be better in the wind.
 
PVnRT
senior member (86)senior membersenior member
  
11/23/2020 03:16PM  
You COULD skip the Trillium altogether and opt for four-legged, faithful ballast in the NW16.
Enjoy your new boat.
 
martian
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11/23/2020 03:19PM  
Some day I'll have a four legged buddy with me. Right now I con my kids into going. They aren't always agreeable or available. I will need to sell a titanium road bike should I jump off this ledge. Should be interesting.
 
jillpine
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11/23/2020 07:41PM  
martian,
I bought a Trillium in 2019 as my first solo canoe. It is versatile and really fun to paddle. It is responsive, tracks well, provides stability in wind and waves, and it is fast. It is 24 pounds (aramid and aluminum). I don't think it is the best choice for a haul-your-dog-and-fishing-gear boat. The longest trip I've done is seven days - 50lb gear (35lb behind the seat, 15 lb in front), and I'm 5'4", 120.

Beth



 
martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/23/2020 07:57PM  
I've read this canoe has tippy unstable feeling to it. Is this for real or just perceived?
To me they all feel somewhat tippy and not solid until you load it. I've no way to test drive one living where I do.
 
jillpine
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11/23/2020 08:24PM  
Initial stability is tippy, yes, but that's the kind of canoe it is. It's easy to get used to though, and is not a detraction because secondary stability is great. I'd rather have a canoe be tippy at the portage landing than tippy in the waves!
 
martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/23/2020 09:11PM  
jillpine: "Initial stability is tippy, yes, but that's the kind of canoe it is. It's easy to get used to though, and is not a detraction because secondary stability is great. I'd rather have a canoe be tippy at the portage landing than tippy in the waves!
"


Thanks Beth for the additional information. Casting and trolling is all I do when it comes to fishing. Poorly I might add so it shouldn't be a big issue. If I can get my order in soon I'll have some summer to adjust to it before my fall solo trip.
 
justpaddlin
distinguished member(540)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/24/2020 11:22AM  
I've got 6 solos and have spent quite a few hours in my friend's Trillium on various Michigan rivers. I think it's quite a special boat, it's just exceptionally effortless to paddle. It will easily handle you alone or with your tripping load, my friend is your weight and has carried over 100 pounds of gear in his. It might take a little getting used to, the shallow arch hull is inherently friendly and stable but it's a pretty small (low volume) boat. One time on a pretty fast river I would have preferred a slightly larger solo.
 
11/24/2020 02:50PM  
I also own a trillium - newer one with the Carbon gunwales (E6). I am 5' 11" and low 170's.

I've tripped in it with the dog (maybe 40 - 42 lbs at the time) and a 30lb pack; it handles well and I love the light weight...easy to single-portage.

I fished in it and caught (among other finned species) a 41" pike.

It's the most stable of the three solos I own, though the Northwind Solo I had (sold it) was perhaps a hair moreso.

All that said, I suspect I will be parting ways with my Trillium. I bought a Magic and really love it - it wants to cruise about a half-mile-per-hour more than the Trillium. I can fish from it and the dog (now full-grown @ 50 lbs) is no problem. Took an hour to get used to the lower level of stability afforded by the Magic; did two solos in it and think it's going to be my boat of choice going forward. A PB Rapidfire might make my wishlist, but barring that I like where I am.

The Trillium is a fine boat and it will do what you asked with no complaints.
 
martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/24/2020 07:07PM  
sns: "I also own a trillium - newer one with the Carbon gunwales (E6). I am 5' 11" and low 170's.


I've tripped in it with the dog (maybe 40 - 42 lbs at the time) and a 30lb pack; it handles well and I love the light weight...easy to single-portage.


I fished in it and caught (among other finned species) a 41" pike.


It's the most stable of the three solos I own, though the Northwind Solo I had (sold it) was perhaps a hair moreso.


All that said, I suspect I will be parting ways with my Trillium. I bought a Magic and really love it - it wants to cruise about a half-mile-per-hour more than the Trillium. I can fish from it and the dog (now full-grown @ 50 lbs) is no problem. Took an hour to get used to the lower level of stability afforded by the Magic; did two solos in it and think it's going to be my boat of choice going forward. A PB Rapidfire might make my wishlist, but barring that I like where I am.


The Trillium is a fine boat and it will do what you asked with no complaints.
"


Beautifully awesome boats. Right or wrong I just basically ordered one. Same E6 trim level. In six months or so it may arrive. I just have to build a covered rack for the boats. Well, that and sell some bikes.
 
11/24/2020 08:06PM  
Good for you - you'll love it.

Now I am hoping Northstar will make the Magic with E6 gunwales...then I'll have to buy a new boat.
 
kona
distinguished member (273)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/25/2020 10:33PM  
I would love to try a trillium. Carbon rails, wow.
 
timf1981
distinguished member (104)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/27/2021 09:55AM  
I have soloed in the BWCA 4 times.
Once in a 15ft Wenonah. And 3 time in a 20ft. Wenonah Minn 3.
With the Minn 3 and 100lbs of gear. I could travel at 4.25 mph. Using a kayak paddle. With the 15 footer. Max speed was 3.25 at max effort for 15 seconds.

For ballast, bring a 5 gallon bucket / fill with water
 
cyclones30
distinguished member(4163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
04/27/2021 12:58PM  
timf1981: "I have soloed in the BWCA 4 times.
Once in a 15ft Wenonah. And 3 time in a 20ft. Wenonah Minn 3.
With the Minn 3 and 100lbs of gear. I could travel at 4.25 mph. Using a kayak paddle. With the 15 footer. Max speed was 3.25 at max effort for 15 seconds.


For ballast, bring a 5 gallon bucket / fill with water"


You soloed a MNIII on multiple trips? Dang....
 
martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/27/2021 06:45PM  
I think your boat choice depends a lot on what you're trying to accomplish. For me, this purchase was based on my desire to single portage and cover more ground. I think that at 23 pounds it's totally doable. My aging arse should be a bit less sore at the end of the day theoretically. So that's a bonus.
Hey owners, now that this threads back. Will I need CVCA style yoke pads? Or will there be enough headspace (skull & seat) with my block style pads?
I'm still hoping to take possession before summer and for sure before my October solo.
Thanks
martian
 
04/27/2021 07:05PM  
martian: "I think your boat choice depends a lot on what you're trying to accomplish. For me, this purchase was based on my desire to single portage and cover more ground. I think that at 23 pounds it's totally doable. My aging arse should be a bit less sore at the end of the day theoretically. So that's a bonus.
Hey owners, now that this threads back. Will I need CVCA style yoke pads? Or will there be enough headspace (skull & seat) with my block style pads?
I'm still hoping to take possession before summer and for sure before my October solo.
Thanks
martian
"


When you get it, share some photos, and I'd be curious to hear what the actual weight is...

Regardless, fun paddles ahead.
 
jillpine
distinguished member(919)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/28/2021 06:05AM  
Martian, I haven’t tried the block pads. I use a CCS pack and Northstar yoke with CVCA pads. Curious what paddle you will use. I started using an old kayak paddle last summer. Once again, I think Boonie may be right. Think I might invest in a double blade this summer.

SNS, are you really thinking of selling your Trillium?

Beth
 
04/28/2021 06:38AM  
Maybe, maybe not.

Currently have a tentative double-solo trip on the books with a friend and would loan him the Trillium for that. Also have a Stuart River solo planned and given all the portaging and creek paddling, was thinking I'd use the Trillium over the Magic.

After those trips, we'll see.
 
martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/28/2021 07:02PM  
jillpine: "Martian, I haven’t tried the block pads. I use a CCS pack and Northstar yoke with CVCA pads. Curious what paddle you will use. I started using an old kayak paddle last summer. Once again, I think Boonie may be right. Think I might invest in a double blade this summer.


SNS, are you really thinking of selling your Trillium?


Beth"


Beth, We'll give these block pads a try since I have them. If they don't work, CVCA style here we come. I picked up on sale a Bending Branches Impression solo paddle last year before I came up in October. It actually worked really great. Did find I was flinging a bit of drip water into the boat. Poor technique on my part.
I was excited to find out today that it should be here in July. Good thing I ordered last year otherwise I'd be likely out of luck for this year.
Thanks again & I hope the Alltrack is still going good. Mine still makes me smile everyday.
Cheers!
martian
 
martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/28/2021 07:20PM  
sns: "
martian: "I think your boat choice depends a lot on what you're trying to accomplish. For me, this purchase was based on my desire to single portage and cover more ground. I think that at 23 pounds it's totally doable. My aging arse should be a bit less sore at the end of the day theoretically. So that's a bonus.
Hey owners, now that this threads back. Will I need CVCA style yoke pads? Or will there be enough headspace (skull & seat) with my block style pads?
I'm still hoping to take possession before summer and for sure before my October solo.
Thanks
martian
"



When you get it, share some photos, and I'd be curious to hear what the actual weight is...


Regardless, fun paddles ahead."


Absolutely some pictures and maybe a proper trip report. I noticed the 17 weight thread so I'll get scale on both maybe in July.
Say, I noticed in your picture the inflatable pillow behind the seat. I like that as a seat back with the rear thwart so close. Was it needed or did it just work out that way?
Thanks for the help.
martian
 
04/28/2021 08:16PM  
martian, I felt I needed some support there, so that's what I came up with...a back band would work too.
 
jillpine
distinguished member(919)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/29/2021 07:54PM  
That Alltrack - don't even get me started. I love it.
Nice grab on the BB paddle - let me know what you think.
I really think you have a great chance of being really happy with this canoe. Keep us in the loop!

 
martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/07/2021 03:37PM  
I'm pleased to announce my boat was picked up Thursday and found the water this morning. After a quick morning 20 mile bike ride I loaded it up heading for a nearby lake. I know I've got my priorities messed up still because getting there later was enough time for the winds to pick up to 15-25 mph. What better a test. Honestly, the boat behaved much like I'd expected. Maybe wobbly side to side but nothing horrible. I look forward to it loaded with gear. It drove into the wind better than I expected. Sure it took effort but less of it. Kayak paddle worked as did my straight shaft. Due to the wind I didn't get to play around as much as i wanted. Tomorrow is another day. Did I mention light weight. Wow - it is so light, scaling out at 23.30 lbs as I'd hoped. The carbon and kevlar weave is a thing of beauty. It arrived with the better portage yoke so that was a bonus. I'll get better pictures soon but here's one. I'd like to thank everyone who responded with all the helpful information. I think you helped me make a fine purchase. October trip can't get here soon enough.
 
jillpine
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08/07/2021 09:46PM  
Congratulations - you must be so excited!

 
martian
distinguished member (194)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/09/2021 09:40AM  
Just returned from a 7 day reverse S Kawishiwi triangle dillydally and I can't express how impressed I am with this boat. Totally rock solid loaded. I fished the whole time with no troubles. It's lightness allowed single portages on all the long portages minus the 140r day one. Yes, that 210r sucked towards the end, well the whole thing. When it was done I was pleased to say the least. The boat paddles straight, quick & turns on a dime. Admittedly, I did cheat and used kayak paddles most of the time.
Thanks to everyone who encouraged this awesome purchase.
So if you're shopping a solo give this one a look.
 
jillpine
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10/09/2021 01:19PM  
Awesome! Great to hear you like the boat. Solid choice! :)
Lil’ speedster!
 
DanCooke
distinguished member(1271)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/10/2021 10:40AM  
The Trillium is on my short list of canoes to paddle.
 
Scoobs
distinguished member (156)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/13/2021 07:12AM  
martian: "Just returned from a 7 day reverse S Kawishiwi triangle dillydally and I can't express how impressed I am with this boat. Totally rock solid loaded. I fished the whole time with no troubles. It's lightness allowed single portages on all the long portages minus the 140r day one. Yes, that 210r sucked towards the end, well the whole thing. When it was done I was pleased to say the least. The boat paddles straight, quick & turns on a dime. Admittedly, I did cheat and used kayak paddles most of the time.
Thanks to everyone who encouraged this awesome purchase.
So if you're shopping a solo give this one a look."


Sounds fabulous. Nothing wrong with kayak paddles. They're my preferred choice of motoring a boat. I have already have my twin blade paddle awaiting my Prospector 14 Pack. Still hoping the boat arrives this month. So I can sneak out a few times through late fall before the water hardens up. :)
 
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