230 lb man, 110 lb wife, 7 year old son, 4 year old son, 2 year old daughter.

Looking for a good family canoe for 5-6 day trips, everybody in one boat. What does everyone else with a family paddle?

We bought a MN 3 it holds 3 kids (9,7,4) a lab, 5 Duluth packs and fishing gear. We have discussed that a MN 4 might fit more comfortably, however it is so long it makes it hard to portage and navigate in the wind.

I am worried about stability with the Chitlins, any issues with the minny?

when the canoe is fully loaded we have no problem with it being tippy. But if it is only us and the kids, it isn't tippy but it is easily blown around by the wind. Fully loaded it isn't much of a problem. We don't go out in high waves with our kids so I don't know how it works in that situation

Spring Creek lets you test drive all their canoes. That is how we choose the MN 3 over the MN 4

great, thank you!

Bud,

If a MN3 is in consideration, take a look at a Seneca too.

My first post here so way behind but here goes...we bought a wenonah champlain that works great for us. Think it's 18'2 to be exact but gives good stability in rockin' waves, paddles and turns well ( I soloed QP in May with this) when fully loaded. Kids feel very safe and comfortable in it as well. There are many good options out there --- this is just one very solid canoe for a family of four with similar dimensions :)

Just to add another canoe into the mix...

We paddled a rented Souris Quetico 18.5 and really liked the third seat that fit 2 boys (9 yr old and 11 yr old) side by side with my oldest son who is about your wife's weight in the bow and I in the stern. It was super stable for us and I felt safe paddling in the cold waters of October with it.

I would have purchased a Souris Quetico 18.5 but since we were only 4 paddlers, we opted to buy a smaller Bell Northwind 17.6 boat with the idea that we could add a solo canoe if the boys got too big for us all to fit in the Northwind.

We ended up going with a MN3 that I got a deal on. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a Bell north Shore also. The MN3 was great for us, I was even plenty comfortable heeling it onto its side a little to make the many turns in Hog Creek easier. I was concerned about its stability, but was pretty damned impressed by it. we had a 7 and 4 year old in the third seat, and a 2 year old sitting in between moms legs on a pelican case, and also had her facing backwards sittting on a backpack smooshed in to the front, where she knocked out for a long nap. Capacity was enough for plenty of gear, but I can see us outgrowing this in a couple years when my daughter and the boys are bigger.

Thanks for the input!

We love our North Shore. It's set up with 4 seats.

We just bought a Souris River 18.5 and this picture is of its maiden voyage with the full family (wife was taking the picture). We have not loaded it down with gear yet but it seemed to have enough room to do so. One child can sit on a pack and the other two can share a seat. We had a few fun hours on a cold March day.

quote vnzill: "


We just bought a Souris River 18.5 and this picture is of its maiden voyage with the full family (wife was taking the picture). We have not loaded it down with gear yet but it seemed to have enough room to do so. One child can sit on a pack and the other two can share a seat. We had a few fun hours on a cold March day."

I am so jealous of that gorgeous canoe! I have a le tigre one with bumps and bruises on it... You will have many good years out of that beast - I hope you report when you take it to the BWCA!!

We have a 4 seat Bell Northshore. I just saw that Ted Bell is making them again. Great boat that maneuvers well for it's size. It holds five of us plus gear for the week. It is very stable, never had a problem tipping and a pleasure to portage at 65 lbs. Definitely try one before you make your final decision.

quote Itchy Menace: "We have a 4 seat Bell Northshore. I just saw that Ted Bell is making them again. Great boat that maneuvers well for it's size. It holds five of us plus gear for the week. It is very stable, never had a problem tipping and a pleasure to portage at 65 lbs. Definitely try one before you make your final decision."

I rented one for a trip once, and you are right - great boat and pretty too! Depends on size of paddlers, but if it really is 65 pounds, I'd take my SR Q18.5 just due to weight (52 I think). Otherwise, I'd use price to determine which one. They both are serious beasts!

I am planning to make a detailed journal of my trip this summer and to write up a trip report. Thanks for the compliments on the canoe as I think it is very pretty also. I love how light it is and feel I could carry a 80 pound pack plus that canoe at least for shorter portages.

quote vnzill: "I am planning to make a detailed journal of my trip this summer and to write up a trip report. Thanks for the compliments on the canoe as I think it is very pretty also. I love how light it is and feel I could carry a 80 pound pack plus that canoe at least for shorter portages."

I am sure you can. They are so well balanced, I'd rather portage that than my shorter RX canoes, and the weight difference is minimal.

Enjoy!!

quote Itchy Menace: "We have a 4 seat Bell Northshore. I just saw that Ted Bell is making them again. Great boat that maneuvers well for it's size. It holds five of us plus gear for the week. It is very stable, never had a problem tipping and a pleasure to portage at 65 lbs. Definitely try one before you make your final decision."

I just saw that Sawtooth Outfitters has a used one for sale. No pics, but good price.