I’m doing a 3-person trip for the first time ever (always did even numbers for canoe paddling). We are renting a Wenonah “Canak” to try it out.

Looking for any thoughts from anyone who has used one. Thanks.

Do they offer some type of removable portage yoke for it?

JATFOMike: "Do they offer some type of removable portage yoke for it? "

I was also wondering about that. Have to make sure to ask the outfitter.

I believe most outfitters will supply a removable yoke with your rental. At least that has been my experience.

Outfitter will have a yoke that works, but I would ask in advance anyway. I use a Rob Roy decked canoe and a solo yoke fits fine. I would take a kayak paddle. I use a 240cm paddle and it works very well. (I pack a standard canoe paddle as a back up.)

My experience with a decked canoe is that it handles wind and waves very well and is quite stable. Packing is a bit of a challenge but I like the way the Canak is set up with the bow and stern compartments. I would love to try one. Keep us posted on how this works out for you!

Used to own one and really enjoyed it as a fishing platform. Cannot imagine it would be rented without the detachable portage yoke; if that is the case, do not rent it! I primarily used a yak paddle, but I also brought a canoe paddle (I always carry a 2nd paddle). Tracks nice and is great in rough water. Only really sold it as someone offered me crazy money for it.

Yes a Canak can use a removable yoke. It's the one that attaches to the pedestal. I was not a fan of using a Canak in the BW. It was heavier than the comparable canoe, tougher to load and unload, tougher to get in and out of and you're limited to the pack size you use. It did shine in windy conditions.

I picked one up and used it for the first time last year. kayak paddle on the lake and a normal paddle for entry points. Pack size can be a problem. The bigger portage packs will not lay in nice, because the opening is narrower than a standard canoe. A normal backpacking pack will lay in, but may not be able to carry the Canak at the same time. Ask the outfitter about their recommendations. My two cents. Have a great trip.

The canak is a great boat. Stable, great fishing platform, great on windy conditions. As mentioned previously pack selection is critical. Large packs will not fit but get the right packs and it is dream to paddle. Our preferred solo canoe with odd number of people.

I found the Kondos Outfitter Special pack fits very well in a Canack

I have one. I only use single blades in it. You are high enough off the hull to effectively use a single blade. It shines in the wind. No need for a double paddle even in the wind,

You can't fit giant packs in the openings but there is plenty of space for reasonable sized packs and load.

I only use or want the OEM neoprene covers when paddling unloaded. Your packs will cover enough of the opening to minimize windage when loaded.

The Wenonah "antler" yoke is a necessity.

I find the extra weight of the deck is worth it unless you are doing a lot of long carries. It comes in around 44 lbs.

One annoyance issue is stowing your paddles. There is a bungee system on the side of the cockpit presumably to stow the two parts of a double blade. I find the system clumsy, especially when underway.

Otherwise, I think it is brilliant and I am surprised it was not more popular. The name is idiotic and maybe put some people off. It is a decked canoe, IMHO.

Got home yesterday.
Can confirm many of your thoughts and suggestions.

Great handling in the wind, better than a canoe. Much easier to paddle straight in any conditions.
At 42 pounds, it was lighter than my old Penobscot Old Town 16 foot-canoe.
Yes, the outfitters provided a padded carrying yoke.
Yes, the kayak paddle was a challenge to attach to the canak, the bungee cords on the canak were awkward.
We were able to fit my #4 Duluth Pack in the larger storage section behind the seat.

We had a good trip. My 27 YO son, his college friend, and I went in Fall Lake. We found two awesome campsites on Pipestone Bay, but the fire kept us away from the Basswood Falls area we wanted to go see.

CoachB02: "Got home yesterday.
Can confirm many of your thoughts and suggestions.

We had a good trip. My 27 YO son, his college friend, and I went in Fall Lake. We found two awesome campsites on Pipestone Bay, but the fire kept us away from the Basswood Falls area we wanted to go see.
"

Awsome

If I'm not mistaken, the Canak is a decked Prism.

Joe

The Rob Roy decked canoe by Northstar, is a Merlin below the waterline, according to the Northstar website.

I didn’t realize Northstar was making one and so looked at it. The web page says it has the hull shape of a Magic.

joewildlife: "If I'm not mistaken, the Canak is a decked Prism.


Joe
"

You are correct Joe. Prism hull with a deck.

Brian from Wenonah