I have no experience in solo canoes other than what nctry (Ben) has brought to wingnight. I paddled the Canak and liked it...a lot. Now they have the mini out. What's your opinion? I have been told by "canoe people" that due to my size (5'7" and shrinking, 125lbs) I don't need a 16 foot solo boat.

Mini Canak:
Length:15'
Maximum Width:29" (73.66 cm)
Waterline Width: 26.5" (67.31 cm)
Bow Depth: 13.5" (34.29 cm)
Center Depth: 12.5" (31.75 cm)
Stern Depth: 13.5" (34.29 cm)
Rocker: minimal
Cockpit size: 40" x 20" (101.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
Forward Hatch: 43" x 17.5" (109.22 cm x 44.45 cm)
Rear Hatch:
43" x 17.5" (109.22 cm x 44.45 cm)

Canak:

Length: 16'
Maximum Width: 30" (76.2 cm)
Waterline Width: 27" (68.58 cm)
Bow Depth: 16" (40.64 cm)
Center Depth: 12.5" (31.75 cm)
Stern Depth: 14" (35.56 cm)
Rocker: minimal
Cockpit size: 1" x 21" (104.14 cm x 53.34 cm)

The bow depth looks to be the biggest difference...other than length.

Or just go with a solo canoe?

I would rent first but need suggestions on what to rent.

I would like to trip in the BW (loaded) and canoe local rivers(unloaded).

All opinions welcome good and bad.

Here's a pic so people know what it looks like. I recently read a trip report of a guy on the Quiet Journey website who used something very similar. His screen name is MasterTangler. His had a foot controlled rudder which would come in handy.



Here's a nice link for the mini which weighs in at 39 lbs compared to 42 for the 16'.

Mini Canak

no experience here but, if its the covered deck youre liking id buy a solo canoe and have cooke make a cover for it. lighter, easier to get packs in/out, gives you the option of not having it covered.

I like Kanoes idea too but the canak sits real low and would be very stable in big water or in a wind, so I like that aspect too. There's tradeoffs for both I guess.

quote TomT: "I like Kanoes idea too but the canak sits real low and would be very stable in big water or in a wind, so I like that aspect too. There's tradeoffs for both I guess.


"

I liked the idea of sitting low.

How about length?

Do I need a large boat that most men larger than myself use?

Speed isn't a big deal at this point.

I own a Bell Robroy which is a very similar boat. I have done Quetico trips lasting 11 days in it. It is a little more hassle to get your gear in and out but easier than a small cockpit kayak. Where it really shines is in the wind. Comparing it to a Bell Magic it is much easier to handle in the wind. The disadvantage of the covered boat is the ease of getting to gear on the go or at postages. While on to go you can get to the gear that is between your legs and that is all. The same amount of gear in a 15 ft open top canoe leaves me with more options and I am less cramped.
At 125lbs you do not need a 16ft canoe to float you and 90lbs of gear. For comparison I weigh 180lbs and carry about 75lbs gear and my favorite boat for tripping has a 14ft7in waterline.
Another boat to consider if interested in covered boat is a Poke Boat.
PokeBoat Web site

The Canak does not have a low seat, it uses a pedestal seat just like other Wenonah solos. I thought it paddled/handled just like a Prism but with much less wind resistance.
As far as length, it's what you are comfortable with not somebody's opinion that counts.
If you liked the Canak, rent the Mini to see if you like the differences.
If you are just trying one out remember to take your packs, loaded to the size and weight you will trip with.
Wingnite camp is coming, and you will be able to try a bunch of solos!
Maybe Ben will bring a Mini Canak!

butthead

quote butthead: "As far as length, it's what you are comfortable with not somebody's opinion that counts."

butthead"

Well said "butthead".

"MagicPaddler" makes a valid point, stating that you don't "need" a 16' solo canoe, but why not if you're comfortable with it? All things being equal, a longer canoe will be more stable, more seaworthy, and generally more efficient. But, a longer, larger canoe will also have more wetted hull surface. The additional hull surface area will also require more effort to "push" the hull through the water, which can be a liability for a smaller, lighter paddler.

Back in the 80's, the now defunct Sawyer Canoe of Oscoda, Michigan, marketed many of their solo canoes, and some tandems, as LER, (Low Energy Requirement), hull designs. Aside from the marketing hyperbole, there's some merit with regards to hull design physics in relation to the size, weight, and strength of the paddler.

I personally love long, fast canoes, but my physical size is also compliant with longer hulls, especially given the amount of gear I take. Add to that, a 87 pound Golden Retriever, and my Wenonah "Voyager" serves me exceptionally well. I also like to use my Wenonah "Jensen C1W" on rivers or when I'm not taking my "Golden" along.

If I could reasonably use a Wenonah "Jensen J203" for a tripping hull, I would. Many years ago, I actually owned a Wenonah "Jensen J200", the predecessor to the "J203". I used it for day paddling on the locals lakes by my home, but it just wasn't practical for canoe-tripping, and I didn't intend to race. I sold it and bought a second Wenonah "Jensen C1W" for "Mrs Solo".

I often hear the comment, "I'm not in a hurry, so speed is not important!" OK, but if you can have a user friendly solo canoe that's also fast, why not? There are times when I get "in a zone" and I just like to "jam", so having a fast canoe can be just plain fun, IMHO.

That is, in a similar way a marathon runner gets "in a zone", there are times when I'm canoe-tripping that I just start paddling my ass off. It's not that I'm racing anyone, or I'm try to set any records, but sometimes it just feels good to crank out the miles. (This probably accounts why I primarily do solo trips these days, because many of my friends and family don't like my tripping style!) :-)

A fast, efficient canoe can also be a benefit if your trying to make for a camp late in the day, or you're trying to beat a storm across a lake. Probably not the most prudent way to utilize a fast canoe, but I'm also a little twisted! :-)

Excuse my bias, and I'm not intentionally trying to offend anyone, but it drives me crazy when people want to use these short, little solo canoes for tripping. I'm not talking about a Wenonah "Argosy" or a Bell "Yellowstone Solo", but canoes like the short Hornbeck "Pack Canoes", or other small "Pack Canoes" in general. In my opinion, a wilderness lake tripping canoe should be a minimum of approx. 15 feet.

But if those little canoes "trip your trigger", more power to you. But I just can't see, regardless of your physical size. (I apologize for my opinionated viewpoint, but the insistence for small, short canoes for tripping just "fry's my ham".)

A few years ago, I saw several paddlers outfitted with Royalex Wenonah "Sandpipers" and/or Wenonah "Vagabonds" in the BWCAW. I don't recall what Outfitter set them up, but I personally think the Outfitter did these people a disservice. I'm not talking about small lakes either, but these paddlers were on "Big Sag" and Seagull Lake. I would not have put anyone in a canoe smaller than a Wenonah "Wilderness" @ 15' 4".

My wife is 5" 3" and approx. 140lbs., and she uses a 15' 4" Sawyer Summersong, but she has comfortably used a 16' 8" Sawyer "DY Special" and the 16' 6" Wenonah "Jensen C1W". She actually prefers the initial stability of the "DY Special".

When we did a "group solo" on the "Falls Chain" in Quetico Provincial Park, she used the 16' 8" "DY Special", and she handled it beautifully. Our group really got into some big, "capped" seas crossing Cache Bay and "Big Sag". She paddled the turbulent waters of Cache Bay, "Big Sag" and other windy and nasty water conditions with aplomb.

So, it really comes down to what you're comfortable with, as "butthead" mentioned. I also betting "yellowcanoe" or Charlie Wilson may weigh in on this topic as well.

Hans Solo

Two years ago I paddled a Prism for that trip. It was a "tuff weave" style. I now own a Wenonah Voyager in the ultralight kevlar. the voyager is lighter then the Prism, longer, much faster and carries more gear.

The longer narrower boats take a little getting used to. If you are a "squirmer" and like to move around, stand up, etc. they probably aren't for you. If, however, you have a 7 hour paddle to your base camp on some long stetches of water, you will really see the difference in the longer boats. A lot less stress on the back and arms.

I took mine one step further. The voyager has a rudder system with foot pedals and I paddle it with a kayak paddle. Takes much less work to get it going and keep it going in a straight line.

Kendra is not probably generating enough horsepower to drive a long canoe to hull speed.

Skin friction matters. Designers rate boats not only on capacity in terms of weight but also length of reach and the power of the paddler. Smaller paddlers can keep up with other canoeists in smaller boats lengthwise.

You can carry a whole lot of gear in a fifteen foot canoe. Low seating can be put in any solo canoe that is not too deep (and Canak runs on the deep side amidships..not so bow and stern of course). There are also a slew of pack canoes..some long and some short. Placid Boatworks making some of the best. 12-15 feet. And a cover does help a great deal in wind. The Shadow at `17 feet a screamer in the right hands, but a beast to pack..its so narrow.

Personally I am a squirmer. I kneel, sit, and half of each.

BTW Hans Solo the Hornbecks are not all small. Three of them are fourteen, sixteen and seventeen footers

You might think about your packing system and try to envision if the Mini Canak will suit your packing style. You probably won't want to deal with a pile of little bags..and will your portage packs fit under the cover?

quote yellowcanoe: "Kendra is not probably generating enough horsepower to drive a long canoe to hull speed.

Skin friction matters. Designers rate boats not only on capacity in terms of weight but also length of reach and the power of the paddler. Smaller paddlers can keep up with other canoeists in smaller boats lengthwise.

You can carry a whole lot of gear in a fifteen foot canoe. There are also a slew of pack canoes..some long and some short. Placid Boatworks making some of the best.

BTW Hans Solo the Hornbecks are not all small. Three of them are fourteen, sixteen and seventeen footers"

I knew it was just a matter of time before you weighed in on this "yellowcanoe". :-)

My point exactly with regards to the skin/hull friction, and to a certain degree, Sawyer's LER concept. (Which I thought I made clear in my original post.)

It's essentially that concept that Wenonah uses for sizing the paddler to the USCA marathon "J203" and the "J-193" series solo canoes. (At one time, they had a "J-180", for even smaller paddlers.)

Back in the day, Mike Galt designed a series of solo canoes for Phoenix Products of Tyler, Kentucy to "fit" different sized paddlers as well, the Kestrel, Merlin, and Peregrine.

As you may recall, many years ago there was an ad in "Canoe Magazine", that featured a photo of Harry Roberts paddling a brown Sawyer Summersong in the Everglades. True to the late Harry Robert's writing style, there was a lot of "fluff". But, the gist of the ad was concerning the Summersong's ability to provide a smaller paddler an efficient solo canoe that was capable of keeping up with longer, leaner canoes.

I'm fully aware that Hornbeck has longer "pack canoes" from 14' to 17'. (I try to do my homework before I stick my foot too far into my mouth!) My knock is on recommendations for the 12' and under hulls. In my humble opinion, those are just too damn small for a serious tripping solo canoe on big water. But if that appeals to someone, knock yourself out, but I just can't see. (Too me, it would be like driving a "Smart Car" cross-country. Yeah, you can do it, but why?)

As "butthead" so eloquently stated; "It's what's comfortable to you." We can debate the physics of hull designs until the cows come home, which is what many of us do here to pass the time until we get back on the water.

But ultimately, test paddling any number of potential solo canoe "candidates" should be the deciding factor. Test paddling is still the best way to determine the best canoe for the individual, and which one brings the biggest smile to your face, regardless of the Designer's intent.

I've seen many petite' paddlers tripping in canoes that did not seem appropriate for the physical size. But they chose these canoes not because they didn't have alternatives, but because it's what felt right to them, and provided them with the best overall experience.

By all rights, "Mrs. Solo" should just be paddling our "Summersong", which she does paddle most of the time. But she also feels at home in our Sawyer "DY Special", "Shockwave" and even the "Jensen C1W" on occasion, especially when tripping with gear.

Just my two cents! :-)

Hans Solo

I like the Canak for BW tripping except I doubt I would like to fish out of it. Also, it would not be ideal for my dog. It could be done but not the best situation. So Kendra, just more things to think about. :)

quote HansSolo: "Excuse my bias, and I'm not intentionally trying to offend anyone, but it drives me crazy when people want to use these short, little solo canoes for tripping. I'm not talking about a Wenonah "Argosy" or a Bell "Yellowstone Solo", but canoes like the short Hornbeck "Pack Canoes", or other small "Pack Canoes" in general. In my opinion, a wilderness lake tripping canoe should be a minimum of approx. 15 feet.

But if those little canoes "trip your trigger", more power to you. But I just can't see, regardless of your physical size. (I apologize for my opinionated viewpoint, but the insistence for small, short canoes for tripping just "fry's my ham".) Hans Solo"

I am not offended or trying to pick a fight, but I don't understand why it should "fry your ham" that other people are enjoying paddling and tripping in smaller boats?

quote luft:
I am not offended or trying to pick a fight, but I don't understand why it should "fry your ham" that other people are enjoying paddling and tripping in smaller boats? "

Sorry "Luft", it's just a pet peeve of mine. (Maybe I should start an "Off Topic" post for personal pet-peeves or irrational things that irritate us.) :-)

Here's another one for you; the preponderance of people wearing "The North Face" apparel. Twenty to thirty years ago, when I was in Outdoor Retail, we could barely give the stuff away. Now that it's become the new "Abercrombie & Fitch", everybody and their brother wears it, with no regards to the heritage of the company or the equipment.

There was a time, if someone was wearing "North Face" clothing, you knew they were an outdoors person, not so anymore. Should this bother me? Probably not, but it's just one of those things that also, "fry's my ham!"

Another peeve; I have a good friend of mine who accompanies me to Packer and Badger games, but doesn't dress in team "swag". Although he's a huge fan of both teams, and can afford the apparel. He always tells me; "I just never get around to it", with regards to purchasing team gear. (Personally, I just think he's just cheap.)

Another pet-peeve of mine, people at my Health Club who go out of their way to get a parking spot close to the front door, although they're going to go work-out. (I mean really, another 20 feet of walking is going to kill you!?)

My ultimate peeve; the fashion "statement" of young men and boys wearing they're pants so low, that their boxer shorts are protruding from the top of their pants. (Because I spend a fair amount of time in Milwaukee, I see this way too much.)

Ultimately, people can do what they want as long as it doesn't intrude on others. What we talk about here, and what we do in our personal lives to make us happy, is still an individual pursuit. Whatever it takes to get you to a happy place, is all well and good. After all, this is all done for fun and our personal enjoyment, isn't it?

That said, there are certain aspects in life that rub us all the wrong way, or irritate us to some degree, even though they should not, or they may seem irrational. The short canoe thing is just one of those irrational pet-peeves that "fry's my ham". Why, because I think there's better alternatives. The "Placid Boatworks" "Rapidfire" comes to mind. (Sorry for my Cliff Jacobson, opinionated moment here.)

Actually, not to sound to hypocritical, I have a Royalex Bell Yellowstone Solo in my personal collection, which I love for its intended purpose. But it's not something I'd use for extended tripping. For me, it's too small, especially with gear.

Additionally, to be brutally honest, those little 10' and 12' Hornbeck canoes are just plain ugly, at least to me. To someone else, they may seem cute or attractive, which is great if that's your thing. It's your money, spend it as you see fit.

Personally, if I had a friend show up for a group solo trip with a 12' Hornbeck, I'd say, "Sorry Dude, but we just can't be seen with you!" LMFAO! Sorry, but I just couldn't resist throwing that in. :-)

One thing that many people may often deny, is how much aesthetics plays a big part in what they buy. I personally like the looks of the composite canoes and kayaks I own, in addition to how they perform. (My Royalex canoes, not so much on the looks, but I like what they do for me.)

That's not to say say I'd buy a canoe, a kayak, or even a car solely based on appearance if I had to compromise performance. But, it's clearly a factor for most people, myself included.

Or maybe these things irritate me because I'm just weird! LOL

Hans Solo

BTW, this reply was written with a smile on my face and a few laughs along the way!

kendra? i think you should try out a vagabond. i think your "sister" rented one for her solo.

kendra I am as short as you are but a lot wider (180lb). Cliff Jacobson recommend a 14ft canoe for all around tripping solo ( in his book Basic Essential Solo canoeing). That is what I have. I also had a Bell Magic which is 16ft. As others have said 16ft was much more efficient paddling and I am very sorry that I sold it (needed the money). But if I am going to have one solo, I will keep my 14.5 footer (much more versatile)

quote Hans:


My ultimate peeve; the fashion "statement" of young men and boys wearing they're pants so low, that their boxer shorts are protruding from the top of their pants. (Because I spend a fair amount of time in Milwaukee, I see this way too much.)


"

On the pants note: When we had -0 weather here one of my daughters friends said, "It's so cold I even saw a teenage boy with his pants pulled UP!!!!" Now that made me laugh!

Hans Solo- You and I have some of the same pet peeves! LOL

kanoes- Yes she did twice. One kevlar and one Roylex.

butthead- If Ben can get a mini for wingnight that would be great. I also agree I need to be comfortable with what I'm paddling. I guess I'm looking for a starting point. I'd hate to rent something for a week long trip and not like it or feel comfortable in it.

yellowcanoe- "not generating enough horsepower." ? Due to my size I'm assuming? You are correct. Fewer bags would be better.

All of you make good points to ponder.

In a perfect world I'd have 10 different solo canoes/canaks to use for a week so I could figure it out!

hi kendra, this spring, take a couple packs and head to ely when piragis has their canoes at the water for test paddling. watch their website, i think it's called sunplash. they will have the canoe's mentioned above. i picked out a prism a few years back, saved a couple hundred bucks as well. a longer canoe tracks better, imho. have fun with your search.

Kendra have a look at this John Winters (canoe designer) article

It explains the role of friction quite nicely and shows why longer is not always better for all paddlers.. ( in fact for sometimes few paddlers)

Frictional resistance

Kendra, the Vagabond might be a great idea if you like it. I think I can scrounge up and ultralight layup (high school buddy's) to bring to the spring camp. It weighs about 29 lbs.

butthead

Yellowcanoe
Thanks for the link. I have owned more than one canoe with too much deadwood and I never knew why they handled so poorly particularly while paddling hard.
MagicPaddler

quote yellowcanoe: "Kendra have a look at this John Winters (canoe designer) article


It explains the role of friction quite nicely and shows why longer is not always better for all paddlers.. ( in fact for sometimes few paddlers)


Frictional resistance "

I guess Gene Jensen never read John Winters' article. It seems Gene had it wrong all these years.

The aforementioned article should probably be brought to Wenonah Canoes attention. Then, Wenonah can start designing a new series of "J" series USCA Maration racing solos, featuring 10', 12' and 14' racing solos! :-)

Additionally, Wenonah should probably "scrap" the Minnesota II, Itasca, Champlain, Voyager, Encounter, etc., because God knows, the average paddler is being compromised by being forced to paddle all these "high-friction" canoes! :-)

Let's just put down the slide rules, scientific calculators, and the Periodic Chart of Elements and just paddle! :-)

Hans Solo

quote HansSolo: "

quote yellowcanoe: "Kendra have a look at this John Winters (canoe designer) article



It explains the role of friction quite nicely and shows why longer is not always better for all paddlers.. ( in fact for sometimes few paddlers)



Frictional resistance "

I guess Gene Jensen never read John Winters' article. It seems Gene had it wrong all these years.

The aforementioned article should probably be brought to Wenonah Canoes attention. Then, Wenonah can start designing a new series of "J" series USCA Maration racing solos, featuring 10', 12' and 14' racing solos! :-)

Additionally, Wenonah should probably "scrap" the Minnesota II, Itasca, Champlain, Voyager, Encounter, etc., because God knows, the average paddler is being compromised by being forced to paddle all these "high-friction" canoes! :-)

Let's just put down the slide rules, scientific calculators, and the Periodic Chart of Elements and just paddle! :-)
Hans Solo"

um before you get your britches all knotted up talk to David Yost and David Curtis.

If you want the best fit for you and your solo (and yes they do require fit) don't buy more boat than you need. Sure the OP can get a sixteen foot solo, but it won't be any faster than the fifteen with the same horsepower.


Interesting you put a bunch of tandems in.. for solo? :)

Quote "yellowcanoe": Interesting you put a bunch of tandems in.. for solo? :)

I mentioned the tandems because they are big boats, not because they should be considered for solo use. I must have lost track of what forum I was posting in. Shame on me! :-)

Not to sound like a pompous jerk, but I don't need to talk to Dave Yost, Dave Curtis, or the ghost of Gene Jensen to know what canoes I like to paddle, or what works for me. I also don't need a PHD in physics either, thank you. :-)

I've paddled a plethora of canoes over the years; Mike Galt/Lotus Designs canoes, such as the "Lotus BJX", "Dandy", "Caper", and "Ergret", Pat Moore/Blackhawk solo canoes such as, the "Proem 85", "Covenant 115", and "Starship", Bell's "Yellowstone Solo", "Magic", "Merlin", and "Rockstar", as well as most all Curtis, Sawyer, and Wenonah canoes. (There's probably several boats I've also forgotten about.)

In doing so, I wanted to like all of them, but my current personal livery of canoes and kayaks, (which total sixteen boats at present), were assembled as a result of what appealed to me, or which canoes worked best for their intended purpose, or ultimately, which boats offered me the most pleasure. I never purchased a canoe or kayak because a manufacturer or designer "told me" it's what I should be paddling.

That's why I say, just get out and paddle some canoes to see you works for you, or what brings a smile to your face. Attending paddling events like "Sun Splash" or "Wing Nights", (where a variety of canoe models can be test paddled), is far more beneficial than listening to all the hyperbole from any of us here, or seminars on design principles from the "experts".

Recommendations from users, designers and manufacturers only go so far. As the old saying goes, the "proof is in the pudding", so to speak. :-)

Happy paddling!

Hans Solo

quote butthead: "Kendra, the Vagabond might be a great idea if you like it. I think I can scrounge up and ultralight layup (high school buddy's) to bring to the spring camp. It weighs about 29 lbs.


butthead"

If it's not to much trouble, that would be great!

You are the best butthead I know!

Longer canoes will have greater hull speed, better tracking

Other things being equal, the longer the canoe, the faster it will be.

Hull design ~ length

Wow, this thread is reminiscent of the many "discussions" on the old solotripping.com Website.

Kendra, check out the thread below. I will be using a Canak on my first Quetico trip, and I wanted some advice. You should get in touch with Dilligaf0220 for an opinion from one who absolutely loves the Canak. I will be bringing a Canak to the Spring Wing Night if you want to paddle it again.

Regarding renting, about the only solos you will find on MN to rent are We-no-nahs.

Canak Thread

quote Frenchy19: "

Regarding renting, about the only solos you will find on MN to rent are We-no-nahs. "

Very true, hard to find any real variety, Sawtooth in Tofte does have 1 or 2 Magics for rent.

I finished reading every link all of you posted. Good info to know. It looks like the best bet is, paddle everything solo I can to find a good fit for me. Thanks and keep it coming if there's more.

Frenchy if you are bringing the 16' and Ben can get find a mini that would be perfect for the Canaks! Then Ken brings the Vagabond and other boats show up....you might not see me at camp.

Another question I'm sure has been asked before: Do you use a single blade or double and why?

Not a right or wrong question just curious about your preferences.

a "canoe" paddle for me. :)

quote Kendra:

Another question I'm sure has been asked before: Do you use a single blade or double and why?

"

Strictly personal preference. My wife and son had often used double-bladed paddles in some of our smaller solo canoes, (i.e., Bell Yellowstone Solo, Bell Rockstar & Sawyer Summersong), but for whatever reason, they now use a single blade, bent shaft canoe paddle.

Being that the "Canak" is a "hybrid", but looks more like a kayak, a double-bladed paddle would seem more appropriate. That said, Wenonah seems to promote using a single blade, canoe paddle though.

But who cares, there is no right or wrong as you mentioned. It's whatever feels best to you and is the most fun to use.

Hans Solo

Single for me also. Just never liked a kayak paddle, too long and not suited for shallow narrow places, wet also (much more dripping in the canoe). Lots of folks do like em though!

butthead

quote butthead: "Single for me also. Just never liked a kayak paddle, too long and not suited for shallow narrow places, wet also (much more dripping in the canoe). Lots of folks do like em though!

butthead"

Yep, same here! For whatever reason, a kayak paddle just doesn't seem right to me in a solo canoe. But, for obvious reasons, I use a double-bladed, kayak paddle in my Delta 18.5 kayak.

Hans Solo

Sounds like I better work on a mini Canak. :) Good luck Kendra... The best advice so far is to try them out for yourself. I'm also working on being back to Minnesota before the Wing Night in April.

Seagull and VNO Outfitters currently rent the 16' Canak. Maybe they'll add the mini this season?

quote Kendra: "Frenchy if you are bringing the 16' and Ben can get find a mini that would be perfect for the Canaks! Then Ken brings the Vagabond and other boats show up....you might not see me at camp.


Another question I'm sure has been asked before: Do you use a single blade or double and why?


Not a right or wrong question just curious about your preferences.


"

I used a single bent shaft when I paddled the Canak and when I soloed in the Magic last year (I recently sold the Magic or I would have brought that to WN as well). Dilligaf0220 uses a single, and he also fishes out of his Canak on some big water.

I simply do not like the water running down onto my arms on the double blade. You can go faster with a double, but I am not interested in speed when tripping (no pun intended!). Rather, I want to enjoy my surroundings.

I have both a Wenonah Vagabond and a Bell Merlin. I have used both on week long solo BWCA trips. The Merlin is a foot longer than the Vagabond but skinnier at the waterline. Either will carry plenty of gear for a week or more along with my 50 lb dog. I weigh 145 lbs. RockC gets the bow to herself so all the gear rides behind me. When laden with gear and dog, the Bell handles rough water MUCH better than the Vagabond. Empty it is a tippy! The Vagabond is better suited for day tripping when lightly loaded and in calm waters. Two very different hull shapes with their own strengths and weakness's and lots of overlap. The Vagabond was my tripping canoe when it was all I had and I wouldn't hesitate to take it out for a week again.

And I think the Kanak looks like a great idea but I've never paddled one. Isn't it considered a decked canoe?

Piragis also had Canaks for sale/rent and I think they may have the mini also - probably worth a call.

You may also want to take a look at the Placid Boatworks RapidFire.

You would have to settle for a used one if you want it soon ... they had a major fire a few weeks ago.

quote OBX2Kayak: "You may also want to take a look at the Placid Boatworks RapidFire.


You would have to settle for a used one if you want it soon ... they had a major fire a few weeks ago."

Finding a Rapid Fire in MN is virtually impossible. She would have to buy one sight unseen or travel out East to try one.

quote Frenchy19: "

quote OBX2Kayak: "You may also want to take a look at the Placid Boatworks RapidFire.



You would have to settle for a used one if you want it soon ... they had a major fire a few weeks ago."

Finding a Rapid Fire in MN is virtually impossible. She would have to buy one sight unseen or travel out East to try one."

Yep. I carried one from North Carolina to Eau Claire for one of our members last summer.

quote OBX2Kayak: "You may also want to take a look at the Placid Boatworks RapidFire.


You would have to settle for a used one if you want it soon ... they had a major fire a few weeks ago."

Placid Boatworks is back in production, using existing boats to mold new forms. But I'm sure it will be a while before production catches up to backlog/demand.

Best to try out a number of hulls. Test small and wide. lean and long. Break them up into styles of paddling they tend to break down into. using paddles that work well with the style of hull see what brings a smile to your face. Test a lot of hulls, and do not decide too quick. A number of places do boat demos in the spring/ summer. If you can take in a Thursday night paddle amongst fellow solo paddlers in MPLS and test a number of their canoes. You are welcome to test a few hulls of mine in the lake behind my place if you wish' once the water softens.

Dan,

That's a great offer. Sounds like a plan.

I used to get emails with names and dates of of local (metro) paddling get togethers. I believe your name was on that list. I probably was removed from the list because I never found time to go. Was this part of the Thursday paddle you talked about?

quote kanoes: "no experience here but, if its the covered deck youre liking id buy a solo canoe and have cooke make a cover for it. lighter, easier to get packs in/out, gives you the option of not having it covered."

+1, and you can always drop the seat if you want to sit closer to the water.