hello,

I'm looking to build my first cedar strip canoe this winter. I'm hoping to do some solo trips with her next spring. Right now I'm narrowing down models. Northwest Solo Passage is on my short list. I've had some conversation with Bryan (from this board) about his and am almost ready to go with it.

I'm a small paddler. 140lbs. 5'5" and I like to kneel most of the time. I'd want a boat to carry me and my gear. Of course, I'd also like to be able to carry it! (i did portage our 57 lb madriver explorer over every portage trail during our 10 day trip this fall, but i had someone to help me get it up)

As I said, I think I'm pretty sold on the passage, though I'd still like to find one abit narrower, if that would be possible and still be able to carry my gear.

I just found the Half Moon from carrying place canoe and boats this evening. It's only 26 1/2 inches at the gunwales (28 1/4 max). I'm not sure about the 2 3/4 inch rockers though.

Any suggestions?
vicki

Vicki - I wish I was experienced enough to give you all kinds of advice, but I just built my first one You can see the thread just below yours here.
I did it from scratch and no help until it came time for epoxy lay-up.
It was so fulfilling I can not say it enough.
I really hope you get the help you need to decide on the model and then follow through on your plans for this winter.
I will say that it took longer than anticipated. And I've been building things all my life.
I'm not a canoe expert - but I'll be here for moral support and to cheer you on!!
Where are you located?

thanks karl,
I'm in Pennsylvania and I have a good friend who's built quite a few canoes who's willing to help me learn the ropes, while also letting me do the work. He's a good teacher. I've watched him in action with inexperienced canoe campers on many trips and I trust he'll give me just enough free rein to learn how to do things myself. The choice of canoe is the first place he's letting me go...:)

oh, and the anticipated sense of satisfaction is most definitely part of this journey for me!

Vicki, you are lucky to have someone to help make progress.
And I sincerely hope you will document your journey and share it with us here.
One thing I'm going to do next June is partake in a Free Style clinic to learn how to better handle my cedar canoe.
I do believe they have one in PA as well:

It's the first one on the side menu:

Free style

I've been wanting to attend a freestyle clinic too. there's to be one in the Pine Barrens, NJ next fall. That will be closer to me than western pa, though I might go to that too :) There's always the Adirondacks symposium too.