Versatile solo canoe- what to choose

You don't know which boat you should build to suit your personal needs? Please post your questions here and our many contributors will surely have some good advice.
Post Reply
AndersK
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:26 am

Versatile solo canoe- what to choose

Post by AndersK »

Hello!
I have finally decided on building a canoe this winther.
But first I need to choose what to build.
My first canoe will be used most solo. The intended use is for fishing and hunting day-trips and some longer trips up to a week or so. My weight is 180lbs and if needed, I can pack light so the canoe will never need to carry more than about 250lbs plus its own weight.
I have done quite a lot canoeing and have been a competitive k1 and surfski padler for the last 13 years so stability is not a big issue. I tend to prefer more rounded bottom boats to the flat bottomed.
The different freedom solo models are of course interesting but I am maybe leaning more towards something like the Cottage Cruiser or perhaps Huron. Reason for this is I feel the pure solo designs are a bit to specialised and "kayak-like". I find the simpleness and versatility to be the most attractive features in a canoe. I would like a boat that paddles well leaned over as well as from the seat.
It will mainly be used in lakes but also lighter rivers. Tracking would be more important than manouverability, but it needs to have a bit of both, and general responsiveness is important. I want it to feel "alive"
All imputs are appreciated.
Regards
BearLeeAlive
Posts: 196
Joined: Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:00 pm

Re: Versatile solo canoe- what to choose

Post by BearLeeAlive »

Have fun with your build Anders.

You mentions mostly used solo. Would you want a boat that could be used tandem if needed, but be able to solo too, or would you prefer a dedicated solo?
-JIM-
AndersK
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:26 am

Re: Versatile solo canoe- what to choose

Post by AndersK »

Hi,
I will rig it as a solo boat as this will be the most common use. But like I said, i enjoy the versatility in a canoe and was hoping for a boat that would let me try out different styles of solo paddling.

The plan is to build a large family canoe as well as I consider it difficult to find a canoe that can take 2 adults, 2 kids and gear plus work well as a solo canoe.

This lets me focus purely at the solo qualities in the first build but like I said, I don`t want anything to specialised in terms of paddling styles and handling (manouverbility vs tracking) Also, stability is no big issue but neither is speed so it does`nt have to be the slimmest boat out there.
Post Reply