I am going to build a solo canoe. I am an experienced woodworker but have never paddled a solo canoe. I have gone solo in a tandem canoe. Any way, there are so many plans you can buy that I am unsure which one to go with. I do not intend to paddle rivers, just BWCA. Suggestions on plans please?

The world can be a perfect place if you find someone willing to let you take their craft for a spin before you decide. It would be the pits to build a craft and take her out only to find that you hate the way it handles.

One member on this site allowed me to take his NW Merlin for a spin. The design of his craft was the early (1985) Merlin with no-rocker. I was into my test drive for about 3 paddle strokes, and I knew the Merlin was what I wanted.

Send out a signal, maybe someone will offer

Thanks Drifter, your suggestion makes a lot of sense and I will try. Here in Colorado are lots of kayakers and white water canoes so I might get lucky.

Trout

Check out NW Canoe Company. You can get free plans from them for the Merlin plus others.

The "New" NW Merlin is 16 feet and has 1" of rocker in the bow and 1/2" in the stern. I built according to the old rockerless design.

Download the PDF and take a look at the profile

NW Canoe

I can also recommend the Merlin. I built the 38 Special version which is about 6" longer than the original Merlin but with no rocker also. This version is recommended for paddlers over about 180 pounds or so.

Dick

Thanks guys. I ordered the plans last night. Should have the download instructions when I get home. I also ordered a couple of books. Watching Drifter's saga has helped quite a bit.