Freedom Solo 15'3" or 16'2"?

Bosco · Post by **Bosco** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:52 am

I would like to build the Freedom Solo, but I am not too sure which version to build. It will be used mostly for lake trips and some river for up to a week or more. I will be taking my dog with me, he's a big labrador retriever. Any suggestion on which canoe to build? I am not totally commited to the Freedom Solo.

pawistik · Post by **pawistik** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:58 pm

Hi Bosco,
Your answer is going to come from others, not me. However, I expect they are going to need more information.

* How big are you?
* How big is that big lab?
* Do you pack light like a backpacker, or heavy like a car-camper?
* Do you eat steak and potatoes every night, or nothing but freeze-dried tofu and instant noodles?
* Do you drink nothing but lake water or nothing but canned beer?
* Do you travel sheltered or open waters?

Cheers,
Bryan (tongue planted firmly in cheek)

Bosco · Post by **Bosco** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:21 pm

I'm 230 lbs, (hopefully a little lighter soon), the dog is only a pup but he's goign to be a big dog 90 lbs or so. I'm a light packer, freeze dried foods, lake water that sort of stuff. As far as sheltered or open water I dont know? Both I guess.

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 5:19 pm

I would look for the design that best suits my "displacement" needs.
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/CanoeTechnical.htm

Bosco · Post by **Bosco** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 6:53 pm

I would really like to build a Hiawatha, it is what got me started on building a canoe. How would it be solo if the seat was positioned more to the middle as a solo canoe seat is?

Bryan Hansel · Post by **Bryan Hansel** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:59 pm

How good of a canoeist are you? Have you paddle Canadian style solo before?

It should paddle fine Canadian style. I'd be a bit concerned about the width if paddling flat from the center. I'd also be slightly concern about wind issues solo when paddling from the center. I'd lower the stems.