So im looking at building another canoe. Wanting a solo this time. It may end up going north to the bwca in the future, but mainly will be around home paddling and fishing.

Give me some ideas on which model you like, and your reason/s why. I'm a 5'11" 240 lbs dude.

Ive read alot of good things about the 38 special, but can't seem to find the plans anywhere. I know it's just a larger merlin, but didn't know if someone offers those plans.

Have you searched "38 special" on this site? I wonder if one of the other board members who have built the canoe would give you the plans. Look at this link and scroll down to "38 special build" by "Woodswalker"
38 special help

I built a Kite last year, same as the Swift Osprey, but has the knuckle running the entire length of the boat. Plans are available from Green Valley boats. I built it with about 1" extra freeboard, but after doing a few extended trips this summer, it didn't need it. The boat handles rough water and waves really well, class 2 water is no problem. It's really sensitive to trim, and has the typical unruliness of a solo canoe in a following wind. Having added the extra height to the shear may have exacerbated the problem.

Another Thumbs Up for the 38 spl.
Bruce Kunz design.



Jim

quote 1JimD: " Another Thumbs Up for the 38 spl.
Bruce Kunz design.

Jim"

I see you've built one of these. Don't by chance know where I can find the plans do you? Also, how does NW canoe's merlin dimensions compare to the 38 special? I don't even have an original merlin dimensions to compare any of this to.

The 38 Special is the Original Kuntz Merlin increased by 3.8%, reason for the name. I built a 38 Special, later sold it. Fast and straight tracking, just wanted a boat with more rocker. I then built a John Winters Osprey but added an extra form in the middle, cant remember which number it was, just the widest one, making it a foot longer. Lots of capacity and turns alot easier. Got my plans from Northwest Canoe.
CB

The Minnesota Canoe Association sells plans for the solo Kooteny desined by Bruce Kuntz which purportedly has the same sections as the Merlin but with recurve stems. I have a set of these plans but have not built from them yet. You could get a set and take them to a copy shop and have them enlarged by 3.8 % and and also increase your station spacing by 3.8% and have a 38 Special with recurved stems. You might also want to add some rocker as the plans have none.

You can also contact Northwest Canoe and get a copy of their Merlin plans and enlarge them. Their plans are based on the original by Bruce Kuntz, but have been "modernized" by adding some differential rocker for one. I have both the NWC and MCA plans and overlaying them on a light table the station molds are very similar. If you visit the shop at Northwest canoe, I believe they have both a Merlin and a 38 Special available to test paddle.

When I build my solo canoe I think I will probably modify the NWC Merlin plans to use the Kooteny stems because I like the look of the recurved stems.

Bernard

I know the 38 special is just a larger merlin, but NWC merlin has rocker, which I thought the original merlin did not have. I do think I want some rocker, just curious if NWC version is the same as an original with added rocker.

NWC Merlin has been re-lofted for more rocker. Original Merlin had very little. Entirely different plans from Kuntz plans.
CB

I built the 38 Special and used it on two extended BWCA solo trips. It tracks well due to no rocker and turns well if I heel it slightly which sets it onto the bilge curve which acts as it has rocker. I love it.

I built a 38 Special. Sold it. I have the plans and plan on building another. I don't know what the copyright rules are. I'm sure something has to be sent to Bruce's estate. Once that is known, I'd be willing to send a copy of the plans.