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gravelroad
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10/05/2021 09:53PM  
No, not long trips - long boats. Paddled by those who want both speed and capacity while following their own lonely way in this world.

For reasons familiar to paddlers, sailors and skiers, long things are faster than short things. Long things also typically allow the carrying of more weight.

See the load. See the waterline with the load. Imagine the waterline with a 220-pound paddler on a self-installed third seat, roughly midships.

See that long stick? No, it’s not a mast. It’s a 280 cm lever, also known as a Bending Branches Impression Solo.

Casual cruising speed was 3 mph on a very flat Seagull Lake this past weekend. High sticking (frowned on during hockey games) added another 0.5 mph or more when the urge struck.

(Before you rush to calculate the stability of what you’re looking at, you should know that a fully loaded 74 L pack was tucked under the gunwales at the forward end (not the bow here), 75 pounds of ice was in two coolers below the gunwales, in front of the paddler, and a fully loaded 110 L waterproof portage pack was behind me below the gunwales as well.)

 
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10/06/2021 06:35AM  
I've long advocated that The Wenonah Advantage is the ultimate BW Solo tripper.Although my typical load for a week is under 30lbs. Not near the weight you're hauling. I don't think I own as much stuff as you have in that canoe.
 
billconner
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10/06/2021 07:12AM  
I don't disagree with the premise in BWCAW and many places, but Adirondack creeks, which can be a series of 180 degree turns with barely a hull length between them are much easier with short canoes.
 
gravelroad
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10/06/2021 07:48AM  
Blatz: "I've long advocated that The Wenonah Advantage is the ultimate BW Solo tripper.Although my typical load for a week is under 30lbs. Not near the weight you're hauling. I don't think I own as much stuff as you have in that canoe."


This was actually a two-person trip, planned for zero portaging of course. The ice and coolers will be a clue to the reason for the massive load. Sadly the ice was not needed before the trip was cut short.
 
10/06/2021 10:15AM  
Yeah understand the trip description but wow what a difference to my Advantage packed up. But what the hell, as long as the boat floats!

butthead
 
cyclones30
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10/06/2021 12:11PM  
why was the trip cut short? that's a heck of a load but might as well send it
 
gravelroad
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10/06/2021 12:14PM  
butthead: "Yeah understand the trip description but wow what a difference to my Advantage packed up. But what the hell, as long as the boat floats!


butthead"


That landing looks awfully familiar. Goat path up to the campsite?

 
LarrySw45
member (46)member
  
10/06/2021 03:33PM  
OK, My question is,portages aside, why the hell would you want to deal
with all that crap ?
Larry S
 
gravelroad
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10/06/2021 04:11PM  
LarrySw45: "OK, My question is,portages aside, why the hell would you want to deal
with all that crap ?
Larry S"


“Be prepared.”

Especially when the forecast temperatures are too damn warm.
 
10/06/2021 04:47PM  
Enjoyed my long solo a few weeks ago. 5181mm long, to be exact.
 
10/06/2021 05:08PM  
butthead: "Yeah understand the trip description but wow what a difference to my Advantage packed up. But what the hell, as long as the boat floats!


butthead"
 
mjmkjun
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10/06/2021 06:14PM  
gravelroad:
See that long stick? No, it’s not a mast. It’s a 280 cm lever, also known as a Bending Branches Impression Solo.

"


Glad you clarified the stick. haha What a load! Whatever floats your boat cuz it's your trip.
 
10/07/2021 07:36AM  
While agree to some extent on the long boat deal. Loading a boat like in the picture kinda throws that whole theory out the window. Looks more like you meant to talk long solos in duration by that picture. Then to say you shortened the trip... biggest reason many do go solo. Tired of trips getting shortened is why many do go solo. Anyways, while a canoe like the advantage is one of your most efficient boats to paddle, I think a boat like the wilderness, north wind solo, magic and the prism are truly best all around. Then you take a placid rapid fire, and that boat kinda tosses your theory for a loop. Smaller boat that travels well. But in canoe tripping, you can get the perfect canoe and load it heavy or wrong and well... you’ve got that.
 
gravelroad
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10/08/2021 09:07AM  
nctry: "While agree to some extent on the long boat deal. Loading a boat like in the picture kinda throws that whole theory out the window. Looks more like you meant to talk long solos in duration by that picture. Then to say you shortened the trip... biggest reason many do go solo. Tired of trips getting shortened is why many do go solo. Anyways, while a canoe like the advantage is one of your most efficient boats to paddle, I think a boat like the wilderness, north wind solo, magic and the prism are truly best all around. Then you take a placid rapid fire, and that boat kinda tosses your theory for a loop. Smaller boat that travels well. But in canoe tripping, you can get the perfect canoe and load it heavy or wrong and well... you’ve got that."


You would do well to read the “Be prepared” link before offering an opinion here.
 
10/08/2021 09:33AM  
gravelroad: "
butthead: "Yeah understand the trip description but wow what a difference to my Advantage packed up. But what the hell, as long as the boat floats!



butthead"



That landing looks awfully familiar. Goat path up to the campsite?

"


I believe that is on Horseshoe Island Newfound Lake after returning from Knife. The photo was taken the day I traveled from Knife thru Vera Ensign to Newfound.

Also, Ben/NCTRY is probably the best "well prepared" canoe tripper I know. His opinions are always welcome!

butthead
 
10/08/2021 09:47AM  
gravelroad: "

You would do well to read the “Be prepared” link before offering an opinion here. "


Are you saying you went bear hunting?? That would explain the full load.
 
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