For this coming trip (September) there will be three of us going. Myself and my outdoors buddy, and his son, an Eagle Scout and frequent backpacker. We are discussing if we should take two canoes (2 person + solo), or one canoe (3 person). Other than the physical fact that two canoes take two trips on a portage, what are your experiences in using a 3 person canoe? We will have 4 packs total plus our fishing gear. That's 1 pack each and 1 shared pack for food and such.

I know that a 3 person canoe can really move in the water if everybody paddles. If the middle person doesn't paddle then it's more work on the two that do.

WonderMonkey: " If the middle person doesn't paddle then it's more work on the two that do."

I disagree with this statement. There is nothing worse than paddling in the stern and dealing with the middle person interfering with your paddle stroke. I just have the bow and duffer seats rotate. I actually see an increase in speed when I'm not fighting the middle paddler.
If the solo paddler is not experienced, it would be way better to have them in the third seat. As another option a pack boat with double blade would be easy for anyone.

Is someone an experienced solo canoe paddler? If not, do they want to learn? That would be the most influential consideration if I had to make the decision.

We trip with 3 people in a canoe all the time and enjoy it. The middle paddler and the stern paddler need to be on the same page. Little more hectic for all three to fish at the same time, but certainly doable. I appreciate one less canoe to portage over the flexibility of two boats.

Either way...enjoy the trip!

I haven't faced your question but think if I did, I'd lean toward the solo and tandem as less efficient but more fun. Exploring, checking out campsites, and just the opportunity for everyone to try out a solo.

As far as experience, my first time ever in a solo was the start of a 5 day trip. That first launch and the first few minutes were a bit of a test, but after that the week went smoothly. And I'm an intermediate paddler.

Also likely to portage a solo and a pack, so not necessarily another portage trip.

Good luck.

Tandem and solo are definitely more fun in camp and on days with decent weather. The solo paddler has to be competent and rough weather can be challenging.

The right dedicated 3-person boat (MNIII or Northstar) can really move. Unlike Midwest Firecraft I have never had difficulty with the "center" paddler causing difficulty (cadence, proper technique)- but I've only triple tripped in a MNIII.

To be fair I only paddle on the left and J-stroke. I clap on 1 and 3 instead of 2, 4 beat so that should tell you about my timing. That being said I have never fallen behind with the middle seat not paddling and it did not seem like an extra burden. On day trips and traveling it was really nice to have less canoes to portage and the younger kids really benefited from it.
With experienced adults who like to fish and explore , a solo can't be beat. We only take solos on our May trip. Situation dependent.

I vote for a tandem and a solo. Gives you more versatility, like if one guy wants to get up early and fish when the others want to sleep in. Plus a solo is fun and not hard at all to figure out as far as padding it. I would recommend a Prism, it’s a piece of cake to learn to paddle and a great tripping canoe. Of course there are other options, but I love my Prism for the reasons I mentioned.

MidwestFirecraft: "

WonderMonkey: " If the middle person doesn't paddle then it's more work on the two that do."

I disagree with this statement. There is nothing worse than paddling in the stern and dealing with the middle person interfering with your paddle stroke. I just have the bow and duffer seats rotate. I actually see an increase in speed when I'm not fighting the middle paddler.
If the solo paddler is not experienced, it would be way better to have them in the third seat. As another option a pack boat with double blade would be easy for anyone. "

I've gone on one trip so I'd say that myself or any of use are excellent paddlers. All experience KAYAKERS, but not in the canoe. We have looked to rent a pack boat but do not see anybody offering those as an option for a rental.

YetiJedi: "Is someone an experienced solo canoe paddler? If not, do they want to learn? That would be the most influential consideration if I had to make the decision.

We trip with 3 people in a canoe all the time and enjoy it. The middle paddler and the stern paddler need to be on the same page. Little more hectic for all three to fish at the same time, but certainly doable. I appreciate one less canoe to portage over the flexibility of two boats.
Either way...enjoy the trip!"

Good thought. I'd have to ask the others if they are interested in some on the job training. Good advice.

billconner: "I haven't faced your question but think if I did, I'd lean toward the solo and tandem as less efficient but more fun. Exploring, checking out campsites, and just the opportunity for everyone to try out a solo.


As far as experience, my first time ever in a solo was the start of a 5 day trip. That first launch and the first few minutes were a bit of a test, but after that the week went smoothly. And I'm an intermediate paddler.


Also likely to portage a solo and a pack, so not necessarily another portage trip.


Good luck."

Your thoughts are similar to mine as to why to have two canoes, but I figured I'd throw it out to the crowd for input. I'm going to take the thoughts here and show the other two. I'm ok either way as I figure I'll be in the tandem at the least.

Banksiana: "Tandem and solo are definitely more fun in camp and on days with decent weather. The solo paddler has to be competent and rough weather can be challenging.


The right dedicated 3-person boat (MNIII or Northstar) can really move. Unlike Midwest Firecraft I have never had difficulty with the "center" paddler causing difficulty (cadence, proper technique)- but I've only triple tripped in a MNIII. "

We are not multiple-trip goers as of this time so we would have to work out the synchronization of the front two people. I figure we could figure it out of both are conscious of it. If not, then the middle person gets to nap!

MidwestFirecraft: "To be fair I only paddle on the left and J-stroke. I clap on 1 and 3 instead of 2, 4 beat so that should tell you about my timing. That being said I have never fallen behind with the middle seat not paddling and it did not seem like an extra burden. On day trips and traveling it was really nice to have less canoes to portage and the younger kids really benefited from it.
With experienced adults who like to fish and explore , a solo can't be beat. We only take solos on our May trip. Situation dependent. "

You would make an excellent drummer! 1 and 3 are the standard bass hits.

I may ask our youngest member (23 yrs old) if he would like to explore and let that decide.

scat: "I vote for a tandem and a solo. Gives you more versatility, like if one guy wants to get up early and fish when the others want to sleep in. Plus a solo is fun and not hard at all to figure out as far as padding it. I would recommend a Prism, it’s a piece of cake to learn to paddle and a great tripping canoe. Of course there are other options, but I love my Prism for the reasons I mentioned."

The versatility is starting to make me lean toward a tandem and a solo. I'm going to continue to listen to input and present to the other two going.

Thanks for all the input so far!

Just my 2cs.
We had this same number for last years trip. And didn't even consider the 3 person. It was a solo and tandem all the way. There were several reasons. We're three big guys, at least 600 lbs to start. AND we had 8 bags of gear! (we're working on that) So we needed the extra carrying capacity.
Then our trip was planned Mudro, Beartrap, Iron, Crooked, Basswood loop. A PMA trek and some tight portages.
I really wanted to try a solo for at least part of the trip. I figured if I got tired, I could swap out. I think my traveling companions figured I'd volunteered to be the solo captain and my vote was the only one that counted. During the trip I offered to trade if they wanted to try and they weren't so inclined. Which was GREAT. I did the entire trip basically solo so now I know I can do it if needed.
I had a beautiful trip in my own boat with tons of leg room. I'm not a real experienced canoe tripper and this was my second trip. So paddling skills are coming along. But I know how to swing a kayak paddle okay. After the first couple of days, I got into a good rhythm and it went like a breeze. And in a cross breeze, the double blade helped keep on a straight course. So I vote for the Kayak paddle. The only real problem is when I stopped paddling to take a pictures, the canoe would stop. That doesn't happen in the tandem.
I still had to chase the tandem most of the time because they were two strong paddlers and could move along. I was in a Prism with three of the bags. Having two canoes in camp for fishing, expolring , ect did not come up too much. Though it was convenient to collect firewood solo.

BonzSF: "Just my 2cs.
We had this same number for last years trip. And didn't even consider the 3 person. It was a solo and tandem all the way. There were several reasons. We're three big guys, at least 600 lbs to start. AND we had 8 bags of gear! (we're working on that) So we needed the extra carrying capacity.
Then our trip was planned Mudro, Beartrap, Iron, Crooked, Basswood loop. A PMA trek and some tight portages.
I really wanted to try a solo for at least part of the trip. I figured if I got tired, I could swap out. I think my traveling companions figured I'd volunteered to be the solo captain and my vote was the only one that counted. During the trip I offered to trade if they wanted to try and they weren't so inclined. Which was GREAT. I did the entire trip basically solo so now I know I can do it if needed.
I had a beautiful trip in my own boat with tons of leg room. I'm not a real experienced canoe tripper and this was my second trip. So paddling skills are coming along. But I know how to swing a kayak paddle okay. After the first couple of days, I got into a good rhythm and it went like a breeze. And in a cross breeze, the double blade helped keep on a straight course. So I vote for the Kayak paddle. The only real problem is when I stopped paddling to take a pictures, the canoe would stop. That doesn't happen in the tandem.
I still had to chase the tandem most of the time because they were two strong paddlers and could move along. I was in a Prism with three of the bags. Having two canoes in camp for fishing, expolring , ect did not come up too much. Though it was convenient to collect firewood solo."

Cool success story, especially the part about now knowing you enjoy the solo canoe option. Glad it went well!

BonzSF: "Just my 2cs.
We had this same number for last years trip. And didn't even consider the 3 person. It was a solo and tandem all the way. There were several reasons. We're three big guys, at least 600 lbs to start. AND we had 8 bags of gear! (we're working on that) So we needed the extra carrying capacity.
Then our trip was planned Mudro, Beartrap, Iron, Crooked, Basswood loop. A PMA trek and some tight portages.
I really wanted to try a solo for at least part of the trip. I figured if I got tired, I could swap out. I think my traveling companions figured I'd volunteered to be the solo captain and my vote was the only one that counted. During the trip I offered to trade if they wanted to try and they weren't so inclined. Which was GREAT. I did the entire trip basically solo so now I know I can do it if needed.
I had a beautiful trip in my own boat with tons of leg room. I'm not a real experienced canoe tripper and this was my second trip. So paddling skills are coming along. But I know how to swing a kayak paddle okay. After the first couple of days, I got into a good rhythm and it went like a breeze. And in a cross breeze, the double blade helped keep on a straight course. So I vote for the Kayak paddle. The only real problem is when I stopped paddling to take a pictures, the canoe would stop. That doesn't happen in the tandem.
I still had to chase the tandem most of the time because they were two strong paddlers and could move along. I was in a Prism with three of the bags. Having two canoes in camp for fishing, expolring , ect did not come up too much. Though it was convenient to collect firewood solo."

All three of us are kayakers by habit, with two of us having one trip (like you) under out belt. On the last trip we did take double-bladed paddles as well as normal paddles and alternated between them. In the stern I felt most comfortable using the double-bladed and my canoe buddy liked the straight one for the bow. For a solo canoe I'd try to get my stroke right for the single-blade but would most likely resort to the double-bladed to try and keep up.

My personal vote would be for the three person canoe. The fun and camaraderie of sharing the trip in the same boat is worth sacrificing the flexibility of two. The portaging aspect doesn’t really factor into my decision as you could still single portage in either scenario. The only real downside I’ve noticed on trips with 3 people is trying to fish (trolling) out of the same canoe. Not sure what style of packs you’re using but 4 packs plus fishing gear sounds like quite a load for three paddlers. Have a great trip out there.

MidwestFirecraft: "

WonderMonkey: " If the middle person doesn't paddle then it's more work on the two that do."

I disagree with this statement. There is nothing worse than paddling in the stern and dealing with the middle person interfering with your paddle stroke. I just have the bow and duffer seats rotate. I actually see an increase in speed when I'm not fighting the middle paddler.
"

Works perfectly if the 3 paddlers know how to paddle in sync. We love taking a 3-person canoe on our family trips. Makes for such a fun paddle and makes portages easy. Anyone of us would have no problem handling a solo canoe (and I take regular solo trips), but a group trip, I find it fun and satisfying to paddle together!

It's not difficult to paddle with three, and it's not difficult to jig with three, but imo, it is difficult to cast with three. So if you're fishing think about that.

Here's my two cents...

My two daughters and I have gone together on a number of trips. We always take a kayak. 2 in the canoe, 1 in the kayak. I wouldn't have it any other way. I go out by myself early in the mornings to fish while they sleep and get going later. I couldn't do that if we had a 3 person canoe very easily. I've built a yoke for the kayak, so portaging is just as easy as the canoe, carrying it over our heads.

Paddling the kayak is so enjoyable for me being so low to the water, and catching a big fish in it is a blast! The girls like to occasionally paddle it as well, so we take turns. Mine is only a 10 footer, so it doesn't track the greatest. It waddles some, but I've taken it hundreds of miles in the BW. I just bought a 15 footer, but I haven't tried it out yet.

For me, 2 + 1 = Freedom.

straighthairedcurly: "Works perfectly if the 3 paddlers know how to paddle in sync. We love taking a 3-person canoe on our family trips. Makes for such a fun paddle and makes portages easy. Anyone of us would have no problem handling a solo canoe (and I take regular solo trips), but a group trip, I find it fun and satisfying to paddle together!"

Absolutely. The issue is they are experienced kayakers and not canoers. I'm the third best paddler out of a group of 12 that have been going for years and I don't have the skill or desire to paddle in sync. I love when the bow paddler asks me what side they should paddle on, " whichever side you wish!" My girls love tripping in our NW18 as long as were not having a paddle duel:)
I was told for years I needed a true solo so I went through 5 of them. What I found is I love a small tandem dedicated to soloing using a double blade or 60 inch straight shaft. Suum cuique.

Dreamer: "Paddling the kayak is so enjoyable for me being so low to the water, and catching a big fish in it is a blast! "

Have you tried a pack boat? 23#s and a breeze to portage. The seats are hard to beat as well.

You don't need to be in sync to paddle a 3 person.

1.The middle person doesn't have to paddle at all if you don't want.

2.If they do want to paddle, normally I just have them go opposite the front person whatever they're doing. I'm far enough back in the rear that it doesn't really matter which side I'm on. The canoe stays pretty straight on its own with the front and middle providing power from both sides

Clearly, this all depends on the people and the boat.

We did a trip in 3 person SR Quetico 18.5 with our adult nephew. In that boat the middle person is pretty close to the stern paddler. So either those two need to be in sync or they need to be paddling on opposite sides. We chose the latter. My wife and I are a good tandem team and so we just told our nephew to paddle on the same side as my wife. It worked great.

We did consider a tandem and solo and even paddled our two Q17s that way for a day trip to the Hegman Pictographs. It was moderately windy and I could still keep up with them. But the first day of our 10 day trip was very windy with tricky following seas. I was glad to have the 3 person canoe and plenty of power from the two of them so I could focus on steering from the stern. Maybe if that day was further into the trip I would have been fine with a solo (and I would have rented a true solo) but you don’t get to pick when the winds come up. Our last day was quite a blow too.

You do lose space with a 3. We used three large packs and could stack those in the space forward of the yoke.

andym: "Clearly, this all depends on the people and the boat. We did a trip in 3 person SR Quetico 18.5 with our adult nephew. In that boat the middle person is pretty close to the stern paddler. So either those two need to be in sync or they need to be paddling on opposite sides. We chose the latter. My wife and I are a good tandem team and so we just told our nephew to paddle on the same side as my wife. It worked great. "

I was surprised at Cyclones description of the bow and middle paddling stations being close. In my NW18 the middle and stern are very close!



On a side note, siting in the middle seat I can solo it in up to 10 mph winds with a person in the bow fishing.

WonderMonkey: "For this coming trip (September) there will be three of us going. Myself and my outdoors buddy, and his son, an Eagle Scout and frequent backpacker. We are discussing if we should take two canoes (2 person + solo), or one canoe (3 person). Other than the physical fact that two canoes take two trips on a portage, what are your experiences in using a 3 person canoe? We will have 4 packs total plus our fishing gear. That's 1 pack each and 1 shared pack for food and such.

I know that a 3 person canoe can really move in the water if everybody paddles. If the middle person doesn't paddle then it's more work on the two that do."

I find 3-person canoes to just feel a bit too crowded for me, but I also have innate claustrophobia so I find many things to feel crowded when maybe they aren't, and I don't particularly like being around people in general so I opt for solo traveling.

My vote would be tandem and a solo but only if one of you volunteered to do it because they would enjoy it, not because they were asked or voluntold to do it.

In tripping with a MNIII the stern paddler paddled on one side, the bow and middle on the other. The leverage in the stern meant that hull traveled very straight. Not a fan of single side paddling with j-stroke (really its just ruddering (removing forward momentum) on every stroke). Straight and fast. Remember the surprise as we drifted towards the first landing and I tried to stop the momentum of three paddlers and gear moving at that speed. Paddling in synch is second nature- it's the smoothest way to travel.

A couple years ago we had 3 people on a trip and went with the 3 person canoe. It worked great, we all had a lot of fun, but if I were to do it again, I would have a solo and a tandem.

For me the difference is in the flexibility and fishing. A solo can explore different areas, leave camp without stranding anyone, and all 3 people can be trolling at the same time. Fishing in a 3 person canoe is a pain and I would not recommend trolling with 3 lines that close together.

A 3 person canoe is also heavier than most 2 person canoes. It depends on the length difference, but I'd rather have 3 guys carry 2 slightly lighter canoes than 1 heavier one. 10lbs is a big difference. We did have a Royalex canoe as a rental though so it weighed 80-90lbs. We had a hard time carrying that thing more than 100 rods.

Banksiana: " Not a fan of single side paddling with j-stroke (really its just ruddering (removing forward momentum) on every stroke).

Thumb down J-stroke does not affect my momentum. Are you sure you're not doing a goon stroke?

MidwestFirecraft: "

Banksiana: " Not a fan of single side paddling with j-stroke (really its just ruddering (removing forward momentum) on every stroke).

Thumb down J-stroke does not affect my momentum. Are you sure you're not doing a goon stroke?"

I have trouble with the J-stroke as well. I don't know if it is by bent shaft paddle or just that I haven't practiced it enough. Maybe some of both. I usually sit in the bow and have gotten really good at steering from the front.

I do the top hand thumb down technique but I always feel like I am just being a rudder and creating drag. Even if I only hold that position for half a second.

MidwestFirecraft: "

andym: "Clearly, this all depends on the people and the boat. We did a trip in 3 person SR Quetico 18.5 with our adult nephew. In that boat the middle person is pretty close to the stern paddler. So either those two need to be in sync or they need to be paddling on opposite sides. We chose the latter. My wife and I are a good tandem team and so we just told our nephew to paddle on the same side as my wife. It worked great. "

I was surprised at Cyclones description of the bow and middle paddling stations being close. In my NW18 the middle and stern are very close!




On a side note, siting in the middle seat I can solo it in up to 10 mph winds with a person in the bow fishing.

"

I've only done the 3 person in......a Seneca and a custom 19' boat. In at least one of those the middle seat was in front of the yoke and could use as almost a backrest if that person wanted.

Yes in your picture with the middle seat to the rear the rear person pretty much needs to be opposite the center one. The bow person can more or less do what they want to an extent in that case.

A1t2o: "I have trouble with the J-stroke as well. I don't know if it is by bent shaft paddle or just that I haven't practiced it enough. Maybe some of both. I usually sit in the bow and have gotten really good at steering from the front.


I do the top hand thumb down technique but I always feel like I am just being a rudder and creating drag. Even if I only hold that position for half a second."

I despise a bent shaft paddle for J-strokes. Most people in my group struggled getting the J-stroke down, and I noticed when I swapped their bent shaft for a straight shaft they could do it effectively in about an hour.

MidwestFirecraft: "

Banksiana: " Not a fan of single side paddling with j-stroke (really its just ruddering (removing forward momentum) on every stroke).

Thumb down J-stroke does not affect my momentum. Are you sure you're not doing a goon stroke?"

Goon stroke / J-stroke

MidwestFirecraft: "

Banksiana: " Not a fan of single side paddling with j-stroke (really its just ruddering (removing forward momentum) on every stroke).

Thumb down J-stroke does not affect my momentum. Are you sure you're not doing a goon stroke?"

It has to affect your momentum. Simple physics- to change the direction of the bow a force must be applied perpendicular to your direction of travel- doesn't matter what you do with your hand- the blade of the paddle must push against the forward motion of the canoe in order to adjust the point of the canoe towards the side one is paddling on.

Banksiana: "

MidwestFirecraft: "

Banksiana: " Not a fan of single side paddling with j-stroke (really its just ruddering (removing forward momentum) on every stroke).

Thumb down J-stroke does not affect my momentum. Are you sure you're not doing a goon stroke?"

It has to affect your momentum. Simple physics- to change the direction of the bow a force must be applied perpendicular to your direction of travel- doesn't matter what you do with your hand- the blade of the paddle must push against the forward motion of the canoe in order to adjust the point of the canoe towards the side one is paddling on."

When I say "doesn't affect," I mean in the vernacular that it is not perceptible to me. A goon stoke certainly slows you down. Of course as soon as you pull your paddle out of the water to switch sides your already losing momentum. Added bonus with a J stroke you don't get water all over your gear. Suum cuique

Already tons of good advice here...I'll add this bit and apologize if someone else already covered it.

Since your trip isn't until September, I'd suggest if possible finding a solo canoe to try out once the lakes open up. I found there is definitely a bit of a learning curve to paddling a solo and better to get that out of the way well before the trip. Understand what ballast is needed and get comfortable with some waves/wind.

Either way, it will help you make a more informed decision and will help keep you safe.

This is a pretty good point. Paddled a Quetico 18.5 with 3 seats for a number of seasons, and a big boat can get crowded depending on how you intend to use it… for instance if you were hoping to fish before making camp. The three vs. two plus solo was a thought I had often and I have swung that direction at times even just paddling a shorter tandem solo with others paddling a longer tandem with two or two and a duffer such as a Young kid. The kind of trip you have in mind will matter, if you want to travel far and presumably fast maybe the big canoe is the ticket, but two canoes have allowed us to poke around into a lot more fishing holes if we were were working from one or two base camp locations and branching out from those. Don’t assume that everyone will immediately adjust to a pack or other solo and a double blade paddle - have seen a few folks less than comfortable with those when new on trips. Of the options you are pondering, I’ve tried several - all were good enough to be tried again so can’t imagine you will go too wrong. Don’t overload, be smart about the wind and have fun.

I have taken 3 up in a canoe a couple times. I don't have the center person paddle. The people I take are not that experienced, I don't want to mess with it.

Fishing can be difficult. If the center person sucks at casting and can only throw sidearm with the full body throw, it can get frustrating. Gotta put the best caster in the center seat but that generally means putting the worst paddler in front.

But, we do have a lot of fun and the increased interaction of the group gives up some great stories.

Family of 5 we take a Mn 3 and a spirit 2. We never have trouble fishing from the MN 3 with 3 people. It does start to get tricky fishing with 4 in a Mn 3. 2 of the kids are full-size adults now. We are not tall or heavy people, so that might make a difference. When the kids were smaller we use to do 5 in a Mn 3 and it worked as well, until the oldest was 14.

Obviously either option is good and it all depends on personal preferences and skills.

I usually opt for the 3 person canoe. We like all being together.Never had issues with fishing or paddler, I mean a little coordination but not bad.

I also like to cover ground. One cane is easier to portage than 2. 3 people can paddle faster than 2 or 1.

Either way you will learn and have fun.

T

portagerunner: "My personal vote would be for the three person canoe. The fun and camaraderie of sharing the trip in the same boat is worth sacrificing the flexibility of two. The portaging aspect doesn’t really factor into my decision as you could still single portage in either scenario. The only real downside I’ve noticed on trips with 3 people is trying to fish (trolling) out of the same canoe. Not sure what style of packs you’re using but 4 packs plus fishing gear sounds like quite a load for three paddlers. Have a great trip out there."

Each person has their personal pack then a shared one for food, etc. That's the four we would take. Like a shared bear barrel or the like. The fishing gear would be our poles and a small tackle box, which goes into our personal pack.

I like the idea of everyone being together and messing around, and I don't think we would be doing a tremendous amount of fishing while in en route. Maybe pulling over here and there.

MidwestFirecraft: "

Dreamer: "Paddling the kayak is so enjoyable for me being so low to the water, and catching a big fish in it is a blast! "

Have you tried a pack boat? 23#s and a breeze to portage. The seats are hard to beat as well."

We would LOVE pack boats, as we are kayakers by nature. I don't now anybody that rents them in and around Ely, do you? I've looked and can't find any.

Dreamer: "It's not difficult to paddle with three, and it's not difficult to jig with three, but imo, it is difficult to cast with three. So if you're fishing think about that.


Here's my two cents...


My two daughters and I have gone together on a number of trips. We always take a kayak. 2 in the canoe, 1 in the kayak. I wouldn't have it any other way. I go out by myself early in the mornings to fish while they sleep and get going later. I couldn't do that if we had a 3 person canoe very easily. I've built a yoke for the kayak, so portaging is just as easy as the canoe, carrying it over our heads.


Paddling the kayak is so enjoyable for me being so low to the water, and catching a big fish in it is a blast! The girls like to occasionally paddle it as well, so we take turns. Mine is only a 10 footer, so it doesn't track the greatest. It waddles some, but I've taken it hundreds of miles in the BW. I just bought a 15 footer, but I haven't tried it out yet.


For me, 2 + 1 = Freedom."

We all have kayaks at home. What kind do you take on these trips? Ours are nice recreational ones that we use in local rivers. I have camped out of mine, though.

MidwestFirecraft: "

straighthairedcurly: "Works perfectly if the 3 paddlers know how to paddle in sync. We love taking a 3-person canoe on our family trips. Makes for such a fun paddle and makes portages easy. Anyone of us would have no problem handling a solo canoe (and I take regular solo trips), but a group trip, I find it fun and satisfying to paddle together!"

Absolutely. The issue is they are experienced kayakers and not canoers. I'm the third best paddler out of a group of 12 that have been going for years and I don't have the skill or desire to paddle in sync. I love when the bow paddler asks me what side they should paddle on, " whichever side you wish!" My girls love tripping in our NW18 as long as were not having a paddle duel:)
I was told for years I needed a true solo so I went through 5 of them. What I found is I love a small tandem dedicated to soloing using a double blade or 60 inch straight shaft. Suum cuique."

You are right, we straight paddle only on these trips. I'm normally in the stern and the bow just does what they need to do, and I work around it. We have found that the bow normal uses a straight paddle and the stern uses a double-bladed. Works so far.

MidwestFirecraft: "

Dreamer: "Paddling the kayak is so enjoyable for me being so low to the water, and catching a big fish in it is a blast! "

Have you tried a pack boat? 23#s and a breeze to portage. The seats are hard to beat as well."

I've looked at those and is what I'll get if I by another canoe. However, we are renting this time and I can't find those around Ely. If you know of a place, I'd like to hear it.

AlexanderSupertramp: "

WonderMonkey: "For this coming trip (September) there will be three of us going. Myself and my outdoors buddy, and his son, an Eagle Scout and frequent backpacker. We are discussing if we should take two canoes (2 person + solo), or one canoe (3 person). Other than the physical fact that two canoes take two trips on a portage, what are your experiences in using a 3 person canoe? We will have 4 packs total plus our fishing gear. That's 1 pack each and 1 shared pack for food and such.


I know that a 3 person canoe can really move in the water if everybody paddles. If the middle person doesn't paddle then it's more work on the two that do."

I find 3-person canoes to just feel a bit too crowded for me, but I also have innate claustrophobia so I find many things to feel crowded when maybe they aren't, and I don't particularly like being around people in general so I opt for solo traveling.


My vote would be tandem and a solo but only if one of you volunteered to do it because they would enjoy it, not because they were asked or voluntold to do it.


"

Each of us would be perfectly happy in a solo and/or a tandem. May even switch back and forth for the fun of it.

Cricket67: "Already tons of good advice here...I'll add this bit and apologize if someone else already covered it.


Since your trip isn't until September, I'd suggest if possible finding a solo canoe to try out once the lakes open up. I found there is definitely a bit of a learning curve to paddling a solo and better to get that out of the way well before the trip. Understand what ballast is needed and get comfortable with some waves/wind.


Either way, it will help you make a more informed decision and will help keep you safe. "

Good suggestion. I had and sold a Northstar Northwind 16 and took it on our last trip. It's a decent tandem and a decent solo. I did find I had to ballast it, as you mentioned, to get it to track well and to not be bow high.

foxfireniner: "I have taken 3 up in a canoe a couple times. I don't have the center person paddle. The people I take are not that experienced, I don't want to mess with it.


Fishing can be difficult. If the center person sucks at casting and can only throw sidearm with the full body throw, it can get frustrating. Gotta put the best caster in the center seat but that generally means putting the worst paddler in front.


But, we do have a lot of fun and the increased interaction of the group gives up some great stories."

Several have mentioned fishing as a "think about this" on the 3-person, and we certainly will.

timatkn: "Obviously either option is good and it all depends on personal preferences and skills.


I usually opt for the 3 person canoe. We like all being together.Never had issues with fishing or paddler, I mean a little coordination but not bad.


I also like to cover ground. One cane is easier to portage than 2. 3 people can paddle faster than 2 or 1.


Either way you will learn and have fun.


T"

I was thinking that on the 3 person if we get paddling reasonably figured out we would be able to move pretty fast.

WonderMonkey: "I've looked at those and is what I'll get if I by another canoe. However, we are renting this time and I can't find those around Ely. If you know of a place, I'd like to hear it."

I just checked and I could not find any for rent in Ely either. It's unfortunate they don't offer them as they would be very popular and huge blessing to so many people. Whatever setup you end renting I hope the weather is great and you have a fantastic trip.

MidwestFirecraft: "

WonderMonkey: "I've looked at those and is what I'll get if I by another canoe. However, we are renting this time and I can't find those around Ely. If you know of a place, I'd like to hear it."

I just checked and I could not find any for rent in Ely either. It's unfortunate they don't offer them as they would be very popular and huge blessing to so many people. Whatever setup you end renting I hope the weather is great and you have a fantastic trip. "

Thanks for checking! And thanks!

Was the last post talking about renting a 3 person canoe, no availability.... I just checked Voyageur North and they have no less than 4 dedicated 3 person canoes for rent, and this was the only spot I checked. That said, rent a solo Prism. With a kayak paddle you will be just as fast as a tandem and it's a piece of cake to get used to. I had a guy bail on me one time last minute, so I decided to go by myself anyway, first solo, never been in a solo canoe before, rented a Prism and a yak paddle and it was nothin to it. You'll pick it up very quickly. Getting a solo will be more fun in my opinion, and allows more freedom for everyone on the trip.
That said, what's the hurry. I have experience with both a yak paddle and a single blade and almost go with the canoe paddle most of the time. The kayak paddle dumps too much water in the boat, soaking your gear and creating a puddle in short time. I use the yak paddle for big lake crossings or in a brisk wind because it allows you to make faster direction corrections and is safer that way, or if I'm on an exercise type jaunt on a local lake with no gear. Otherwise, I enjoy a single blade much more.
Being in a rush in the BDub kinda goes against the flow doesn't it, unless you need to cover a lot of ground on a loop or whatever.

scat: "Was the last post talking about renting a 3 person canoe, no availability.... I just checked Voyageur North and they have no less than 4 dedicated 3 person canoes for rent, and this was the only spot I checked. That said, rent a solo Prism. With a kayak paddle you will be just as fast as a tandem and it's a piece of cake to get used to. I had a guy bail on me one time last minute, so I decided to go by myself anyway, first solo, never been in a solo canoe before, rented a Prism and a yak paddle and it was nothin to it. You'll pick it up very quickly. Getting a solo will be more fun in my opinion, and allows more freedom for everyone on the trip.
That said, what's the hurry. I have experience with both a yak paddle and a single blade and almost go with the canoe paddle most of the time. The kayak paddle dumps too much water in the boat, soaking your gear and creating a puddle in short time. I use the yak paddle for big lake crossings or in a brisk wind because it allows you to make faster direction corrections and is safer that way, or if I'm on an exercise type jaunt on a local lake with no gear. Otherwise, I enjoy a single blade much more.
Being in a rush in the BDub kinda goes against the flow doesn't it, unless you need to cover a lot of ground on a loop or whatever. "

We are in rush, excepting day 2, when we want to get by a certain set of portages. I'm wanting to gather information and make a good choice to have the best trip we can.

We have used a 3 man canoe for 20 years. I'm 74 and my partners are in there 60's. We have refined our system over the years. It works well for us. 3 can paddle. It's a matter of stern paddler controlling who's paddling where.

I would recommend a Wenonah MN III. I have used it on several trips with my 2 sons and when all 3 of us paddle we fly across the lake