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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: Dagger Sojourn for BW tripping?
 
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Doc_of_the_bay
03/04/2018 02:01PM
  
I'm thinking about making a solo trip to the BWCA for the first time in September, after several trips with partners, and I'm trying to decide whether to use my solo canoe or rent one.

My boat is a Dagger Sojourn, which I've only used for day paddling on lakes and rivers. It's a sweet paddling boat, known for its low initial stability and good secondary stability. It's made in Royalite and weighs about 49 lbs. I'm concerned about the initial stability, specifically whether loading and unloading gear at portages and getting in and out of the canoe at rocky landings would be a problem.

Has anybody on this forum ever used a Sojourn for a BW trip? If so, how did it fare? Did it cause you any problems at portages or on the water? Do you recommend it or not?

If I use mine, I'd have to tote it from Georgia. I'd rather not go to the trouble of hauling it if it's of marginal suitability.

 
TomT
03/04/2018 03:29PM
  
Here's a review.
"The Dagger Sojourn is fast and rugged and discontinued. It was best on long river trips where the durability of Royalex is needed. It’s a nice boat, but when I paddled it I took an instant dislike to it. It tracked too well and “oil caned.” “Oil Canning” is when the bottom of the canoe flexes up and down with each paddle stroke. With a load of camping gear it should be negligible. Paddled empty, It was annoying and cuts the excellent efficiency of the design way down. There was no way I could make the tight turns of a Pine Barrens river in that boat. Loaded or empty it would turn a pleasant paddle into work. As the Pine Barrens are my favorite place to paddle, that was the kiss of death for this boat. If I start paddling big lakes exclusively or I ever do 300 miles on the Hudson River I just might want to rent one, but I won’t buy one as my primary canoe. "


I haven't read a negative review of this boat. One person mentioned the thin ends and maybe skid plates installed would be a good idea. Lots of rocks up here. I would take it otherwise you'll be renting at around $45 per day for a good solo boat.
 
boonie
03/04/2018 09:47PM
  
I looked up a little bit on it, doc, and reviews seemed to consider it a good flatwater tripper. If you don't mind portaging the weight and you're used to it, it should work well for you. Of course, a sub-30 lb. canoe is nice on the portages if that's an option. I don't know how it compares to a Magic for initial stability, but I've managed to get in and out of those quite a few times on BW trips. It just requires some "attention". Of course, it will be easier if you're wet-footing.
 
sedges
03/04/2018 10:12PM
  
If they made a kevlar Sojourn I would not hesitate to use it in the BWCA for a short(7-10 days) trip. I am 200 pounds and it doesn't leave a lot of capacity for a big outfit. If you are lighter that would not be an issue. I like my 30 pound MR Indie. If I have to portage a 50 pound boat it better 18 feet or bigger.


I paddle my Royalite Sojourn a lot on home waters that include messy landings and I am often unloading a cooler a chair and stuff. I don't see a problem there as long as you are wet footing it.


I do not find initial stability an issue with the Sojourn. In fact I raised the seat a bunch so my old knees could deal better with getting up from the seat. It has a nice motion in waves if you are relaxed. I do wish it had rocker, another reason I like my MR Indie, though the Sojourn is faster.
 
Blatz
03/05/2018 04:16PM
  
Hers the deal at portage landings. Most require you to get out and wade a bit. With your canoe being Royalex, you'll be able to slide the canoe easily over the rocks that will surely be there. Initial stability won't be an issue when loading and unloading your canoe. I took a J 200 which has no stability of any kind on a day trip and had no trouble loading my pack.