Hi All,
Looking for a solo for day trips, lakes only. Just me (5'10, 185) and a lunch cooler with some drinks and the occasional fishing rod and very small tackle box. I like to sit and plan to use both double and single blade paddles. Lets say 1/3 time exercise, 1/3 pleasure paddling, and 1/3 fishing. No tripping or big loads.
What boats do you all like for this type of use? I am considering a Northstar Magic/Northwind solo and the Peregrine.
I would like an efficient, straight tracking boat more so than one that turns easily. As you all know finding boats to demo is pretty hard (at least in my area) right now so looking for your input to help select candidates.

Thanks a ton and enjoy the rest of summer!

Edit - my current boats are a Min II and an old 1979 glass Malecite (weighs a ton but I love to paddle it) and enjoy both of these.

Where do you live? Lots of members all over this country and most of us willing to loan a boat to fellow member for a trial paddle.
I paddle a Magic and it exceeds in the areas you seek, light, fast, tracks well and fun to paddle.

My first solo canoe is a Magic and the thing is awesome for tripping & weekend day trips. Can be a little narrow for fishing but does just fine for my needs (Might prefer a Northwind Solo for this but I got a heck of a deal on a used Magic). Myself & 20 lb dog are very comfortable in it. Plus the canoe can really cruise.

I own a Magic and had (sold) a Northwind Solo. Either could suit you, depends on personal preference.
In general these boats feel more 'settled' when loaded, so paddling empty I might steer you to the NS NW Solo.
I usually compensate by filling a dry bag or two with water to add ballast.

Here's my OT Pack setup for day fishing on the lake. 32 lbs + seat and accessories. The rod holder is really helpful when using the double paddle compared to a regular canoe paddle. Keeps the rod out of reach of the paddle but I can still get to it ok. It's inches wider than the NorthStar's.

What this boat doesn't have good secondary stability, so if I roll a ways it will eject me right out into the water. (That's embarrassing in 6 in. at the launch) It actually goes pretty good even in 19 mph winds and large boat wake.

It won't go as fast and straight as one of the NorthStar's, but if you can find one it's gonna only set you back $450 - $600. Caveat: I'm saving up for a Trillium for fishing and tripping 'cause the general recommendation I'm getting is a little more maneuverability for fishing, but not as much as for rivers.

Thanks folks, I appreciate hearing your experience with your solo. One thing is i am not locked into the boats mentioned, they just sounded good from reading. Any other suggestions would be good.
I have heard lately that canoes do have an optimum load/weight range to feel and paddle best and that they can actually be under-loaded. So if i need to put a couple jugs of water in that may be easy enough to get the best feel out of a boat.

Edit - I am in the Western PA area.

Have you watched, "Bear's Discourses" on YouTube? Good factory information about what each canoe is designed for.

Consider a Hornbeck. Visit factory now of Albany and test paddle. I didn't quite feel comfortable but not the best judge as I value very high initial stability. Very light weight and on the economical side. Worth the visit.

I've owned all three of the boats you are considering and I'd say all are fine choices for your intended use with the "best" depending on personal preferences. The Magic has the best tracking. The Peregrine has great tracking and in my view the most effortless speed. The NW Solo may be the most stable but all three are friendly boats. I never particularly liked the NW Solo...I prefer my Keewaydin 15 which is similar. My Magic is the only boat that I use only for sitting. I'd lean towards the Peregrine for you but I don't think you can make a bad choice among the boats you are considering. I know that Dave would let you try a Peregrine. If you want to come to SW Michigan you're welcome to try my Kee15 and Magic. Carl at Carl's Paddlin in Lone Rock WI would let you try a Magic and NW Solo and it's a nice area and cool canoe shop to visit.

GeneH: "Have you watched, "Bear's Discourses" on YouTube? Good factory information about what each canoe is designed for. "

HI - yes I did watch and it they were informative but wanted to hear user input for my specific applications. thanks

billconner: "Consider a Hornbeck. Visit factory now of Albany and test paddle. I didn't quite feel comfortable but not the best judge as I value very high initial stability. Very light weight and on the economical side. Worth the visit. "

Hi - I did look at their boats - there were quite a few in the ADK last week, but I can only take an hour or so of kayak-style sitting. In fact I demoed a RapidFire a couple years ago and while it is a beautiful boat, probably the one i would really like, the kayak-style seating was the only factor that ruled it out for me. I get uncomfortable in the back/legs from this.

kbobb: "Thanks folks, I appreciate hearing your experience with your solo. One thing is i am not locked into the boats mentioned, they just sounded good from reading. Any other suggestions would be good.
I have heard lately that canoes do have an optimum load/weight range to feel and paddle best and that they can actually be under-loaded. So if i need to put a couple jugs of water in that may be easy enough to get the best feel out of a boat.

Edit - I am in the Western PA area."

You are right in Peregrine country. The Western PA Solo Canoe Rendezvous the first weekend in June is for you.. People come bring boats and play with other peoples boats. They bring boats for sale too. Remember that one of the primary rules of dryness is to keep your head inside of the gunwales. One method of obeying that rule is to lower the seat a little.. Seats are not set in concrete.

Are you on Facebook? Most of the participants at WPASCR are from western Pennsylvania.. 100 soloists. I have some links if you are.

Swift makes a nice user friendly Keewaydin 14. It comes in pack canoe configuration too.

kbobb: "

billconner: "Consider a Hornbeck. Visit factory now of Albany and test paddle. I didn't quite feel comfortable but not the best judge as I value very high initial stability. Very light weight and on the economical side. Worth the visit. "

Hi - I did look at their boats - there were quite a few in the ADK last week, but I can only take an hour or so of kayak-style sitting. In fact I demoed a RapidFire a couple years ago and while it is a beautiful boat, probably the one i would really like, the kayak-style seating was the only factor that ruled it out for me. I get uncomfortable in the back/legs from this. "

Did you visit the shop or just see that boat in use? I have RF and it can be reinforced with a belly band to allow a hung seat. A friend of mine has that configuration. I have the low kayak seat and also a high bucket seat that fits over the low seat. Its still lowish at about 5 inches off the floor.

PBW is open to visitors. I suggest you do so before xing off the RF

I see you own a Malecite. I do too but also have a MR Independence solo (actually 2...1 FG, 1 Kevlar). I checked craigslist every day til I found one.....other one fell in my lap. I love mine for day paddling and tripping.
Also have a Wenonah Moccasin......no longer made and they crop up for sale less than Indy's. Great all around canoe.
Not sure if you were looking new or used and these are 2 less talked about models but great canoes but may be a little more boat than what you are looking for.

Not sure what your price range is as they're not cheap but I would take a look at a Swift Keewaydin 15. It would likely check off most of the items from your list. I'm thinking you could probably test paddle one at Baycreek Paddle Center in Rochester N.Y.

kbobb: "

billconner: "Consider a Hornbeck. Visit factory now of Albany and test paddle. I didn't quite feel comfortable but not the best judge as I value very high initial stability. Very light weight and on the economical side. Worth the visit. "

Hi - I did look at their boats - there were quite a few in the ADK last week, but I can only take an hour or so of kayak-style sitting. In fact I demoed a RapidFire a couple years ago and while it is a beautiful boat, probably the one i would really like, the kayak-style seating was the only factor that ruled it out for me. I get uncomfortable in the back/legs from this. "

Part of why I ended up in a Swift Prospector 14 Pack. It's seat is on the low side but we'll above the bottom of the canoe. Fine for double blade or single paddle. I love it. Easy in and out, ultra stable, I can sit with crossed legs or heels tucked nearly under me, under 30 pounds. Very happy. The Swift Keywadin Pack 15 is not all that different, more efficient but not as rock stable as the prospector. At nearly 70, I would have liked to like the Kee but wasn't going to happen.

PS: Rápid Fire is Placid Boat Works. Hornbecks are in a similar tradition, Classic and New Tricks are 2 popular.

Actually they are not. PBW boats came out of Joes desire to do well in the ADK 90 miler so he started with the same concept yes but the boats are entirely different. They are custom builds essentially and can be modified for a variety of seating and thwart placement issues. They can also be paddled with a canoe paddle and the classic Hornbecks cannot as they are wide at the shear.

Price? Yes they are pricey. Paid 2500 in 2006 but the boat gets used so much that the price per use now is pennies. Could still get $1500 if it were for sale. I think of buying a canoe in terms of price per use.

yellowcanoe: "

kbobb: "Thanks folks, I appreciate hearing your experience with your solo. One thing is i am not locked into the boats mentioned, they just sounded good from reading. Any other suggestions would be good.
I have heard lately that canoes do have an optimum load/weight range to feel and paddle best and that they can actually be under-loaded. So if i need to put a couple jugs of water in that may be easy enough to get the best feel out of a boat.


Edit - I am in the Western PA area."

You are right in Peregrine country. The Western PA Solo Canoe Rendezvous the first weekend in June is for you.. People come bring boats and play with other peoples boats. They bring boats for sale too. Remember that one of the primary rules of dryness is to keep your head inside of the gunwales. One method of obeying that rule is to lower the seat a little.. Seats are not set in concrete.


Are you on Facebook? Most of the participants at WPASCR are from western Pennsylvania.. 100 soloists. I have some links if you are.


Swift makes a nice user friendly Keewaydin 14. It comes in pack canoe configuration too.


"

Thanks for the reminder of the WPSCR - I will definitely keep that on the calendar for next year.
The Placid boats are a bit over my budget with a new RF kneeling at $3745. The Swifts are also a bit over, new.
I will call Mr. Curtis to find out about the Peregrine and also recalled that Savage River is about 2 hr or so from me - will check with them too.

Edit - I am not on facebook - can you PM any relevant links?

Appreciate the input.

Dave Curtis only has a used Peregrine for sale now ( in his used boats stable not the new ones) . He and Paul Conklin rehab boats to like new.

yellowcanoe: "Dave Curtis only has a used Peregrine for sale now ( in his used boats stable not the new ones) . He and Paul Conklin rehab boats to like new."

Thanks - just got off the phone with him. More discussion to follow.

How do we send personal messages on this forum? sorry to be so daft.

I've owned from Wenonah an Advantage (three of them), J200, Rouge, Canack. From the Northstar collection Nothwind Solo., and Firebird. From what you describe I would highly recommend an Advantage.

kbobb: "How do we send personal messages on this forum? sorry to be so daft."

There is no PM function. Email is your friend.