I'm going to look at a Merlin II on Monday. Can anyone tell me how it does on trips 5-7 days long. I'm a small person 140 5'9. I'll be traveling smaller waters mostly. Maybe take 75lb dog on some trips. I I've in NC and don't get many solo's for sale, let alone a Bell. Any opinions is appreciated.

I went 225 when I took my first trip in a Merlin II. Im hardly a light camper and it had plenty of capacity.

After that trip I bought my own. Love it. It's a nice blend. Not as fast as a magic but more efficient and more maneuverable. Very well suited to paddlers that like to kneel.

You might want to stuff the packs you normally bring with whatever and see how they fit in the Merlin. Otherwise she is a sweet ride and for your size I think it would be a good match.

Took my packs to look at the Merlin last Monday and they fit good. Just got a rack put on the 4 Runner today so I can get my Merlin on Monday. I'm so excited.

I posted elsewhere about the Merlin II being trim sensitive. Your tripping load will fit easily.

But the dog would best be positioned near you. My Golden liked to stand in the bow (especially if the bottom was wet) and steering went out the window especially in wind. Swedeform boats tend to be trim sensitive.

So its not the gear..its the animal load and where it is happiest.