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justpaddlin
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One boat you could consider is a Northstar Polaris. If you can find one to rent (or test paddle) I recommend that you try one. It's a tandem that's narrower than most tandems. Mine has a center seat. They are known for efficiency...I'm mostly a day tripper and often paddle upstream on rivers and the Polaris is darn near as efficient as my Swift Shearwater solo. It can easily handle your load even with as much gear as you want to take and it's roomy and plenty stable for the dogs. Of course the Voyager is basically a race boat so it would be faster but I don't think they want 400+ pounds. The Hemlock SRT solo is rated for 400 pounds but I think it would be cramped with two dogs plus gear and I think you'd be much happier in a Polaris.
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justpaddlin
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You can order it with the extra center seat. Mine weighs somewhere in the low 40's even with center seat and wood trim. In my experience a center seat is way more comfortable than a kneeling thwart and it also puts you closer to center of boat. You give up the carrying yoke but I've always liked having the large open area in front of me. The aluminum gunwales on Northstars are also nicely done with rounded edges so I think the BlackLite lay-up with aluminum gunwales is a nice high-value option. The BlackLite lay-up makes for a stiff and strong boat. Cheers
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Banksiana
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The Voyageur could probably handle your load- but it is a lively hull- might feel a bit tippy with a pair of dogs if you don't have a lot of solo experience. A more comforting option might be a Wenonah Encounter. It can handle the load and will feel very steady.
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Voyager
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I agree with Banksiana. I used to trip with a #95 German Shepard in a Voyager. I'd put him behind me and a #45 pack in front, as the Voyager handled better stern heavy. He was a very good rider,BUT if he moved suddenly a quick brace was necessary. The Encounter is designed to carry bigger loads.
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jhb8426
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justpaddlin: "One boat you could consider is a Northstar Polaris... Mine has a center seat."
How is the overall balance with the center seat? Does the boat sit relatively level in the water w/o a load? The reason I ask is that the Polaris has an asymmetric hull with more volume aft of the center. Northstar (and previously Bell) install the kneeling thwart aft of the center, and their solo boats have the seat aft of the center, in all of their asymmetric hull boats. I owned a Ranger Otter at one time and it is also an asymmetric hull. The builder's advice for a kneeling thwart or 3rd seat was to install it aft of the center as well.
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kenia
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Thanks JustPaddlin,
I was not thinking about a canoe with a third seat. I like the price point on the Polaris. Can you special order it with the third seat or did you install it yourself?
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kenia
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I have been thinking about purchasing a solo canoe. A little information about me. I live in northwestern Wisconsin and also own a Spirit II. I am looking for a solo tripping canoe for the BWCA and locations like the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, but I have some special considerations.
I am a big guy at 250# and I like to take my two dogs (one is 35# and the other is 60#). Is the Voyager the right boat or is there something else out there that is efficient, but can take that load? I have two BWCA trips planned for the summer (I hope) and am considering renting something to try it out. Any suggestions other than a diet??
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