Best Solo Canoe

Moonman · Post by **Moonman** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 11:53 am

Thinking about my next boat, probably a solo. I was wondering what designs people think would be best for wilderness flatwater trips. I've looked at the Osprey, Merlin etc. Also, I looked at the Laughing Loon Solo Portage. 30 lbs sounds very light. Anyone paddled one of these? I was wondering about its handling/tracking characteristics.

Thanks,

Moonman.

DortoH · Post by **DortoH** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 12:08 pm

I took out my Rob Roy for the first time yesterday. You might want to look at it as well.

Very easy to handle solo canoe for a double paddle. It was a bit wobbly at first but that is more my lack of skill than any fault of the canoe :).

Mine came in at 26-27 lbs.

Erik, Belgium · Post by **Erik, Belgium** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 3:10 pm

If you are slightly heavier then average, or like to paddle with a load once in a while as well... consider a 38Special. Plans from Al Gustavson on www.northwestcanoe.com
This is a merlin, which was enlarged for 3.8%, hence the name 38special.
See my building log on http://users.pandora.be/kano-kayak

JimA · Post by **JimA** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 5:09 pm

As with any boat, your choice depends on your intended use and preferred paddling style.

If you prefer the "sit and switch" paddling style and cover a fair number of miles, look at the Solo Tripper on this web site or Baracuda by John Winters (Red Wing Designs or Green Valley Boat website - sorry, I don't have the links)

I built a "modified" Baracuda (16' 9" vs 17' 3" and 1" deeper); it responds very well to a quick (60 - 70) stroke rate, but some would say it is "tippy". I find it rock solid but my wife finds it so unnerving she won't even try it (after 2 dumps). Again, take a close look at the Solo Tripper by Bear Mtn.

The Osprey, also a Winter's design, is designed more for tripping and also looks like a real nice boat. I can't speak for the Merlin or many other designs.

Good luck!

Bryan Hansel · Post by **Bryan Hansel** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 11:05 pm

I love solo boats, and I've paddled a few. I currently own a Bell Wildfire, Bell Magic, and a modified Wee Lassie. The Merlin is a good boat that is very pretty, and would be great for flatwater tripping, like in the Boundary Waters. We just built a Soul Mate solo from Carrying Place Canoe Works. It turned out nice, although it seems like it has more volume in the ends than the solos that I've paddled. I also have the plans for the Elan by Red River Canoe. They also have a canoe called the Red Fox, which looks to be a good tripping boat. The Elan built in the 14' version would be good for tripping. I love the look for their Espirit.

I was thinking about building the Elan as a folder, but ended up building a S&G version of my S-O-F, which I'm almost done striping the deck. I'm hoping to glass the deck by the end on the day Tuesday.

BTW, I've paddled the Osprey also, which is a good canoe, but I like the look of the Merlin better. I would passed on the 38 Special unless you weigh over 240 and plan on lugging along 50 or 60 pounds of gear.

Here are some links for you:

http://www.wilds.mb.ca/redriver/rrcpcsol.html

http://www.carryingplacecanoeworks.on.c ... _kits.html

Good luck with picking a canoe to build,

Bryan

Moonman · Post by **Moonman** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 8:24 am

Bryan,

Thanks for the good info (and everyone else as well). The Bell canoes you mentioned - I've looked at them before - are your boats strippers or kevlar/glass? If they are strippers, where did you get the plans. I've searched before and haven't seen anyone selling plans for any or the Bell boats.

Thanks,

Moonman.

Bryan Hansel · Post by **Bryan Hansel** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 8:53 am

The Bell boats that I own are Kelvar and Royalex. You won't find the plans for them -- they keep the plans under a tight lock. The Merlin was a Bell boat until they had Yost design the Merlin II. But the Merlin still has that Bell look to it. I just did a quick search on the web for David Yost solo canoe plans and didn't find anything. If you want that Bell look, I would do the Merlin.

Bryan

Scott O · Post by **Scott O** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 1:47 pm

I built a Green Valley Osprey last winter and have had a while to paddle it. It is a nice boat, but if you are paddling it empty, you will need good solo paddle technique. It does not track straight naturally. I have paddle the Mad River Independence (Kevlar), which is a fantastic solo canoe for flat water. So, while I like my Osprey, if I had it to do over again, I would probably build the 38 special. I think it would be easier to paddle and a faster boat.
Scott

Moonman · Post by **Moonman** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 2:39 pm

Thanks Scott. I was wondering which hull would be faster. Still, If anyone has a review of the Solo Portage by Laughing Loon Canoes, I'd love to hear it.

Moonman.

Bryan Hansel · Post by **Bryan Hansel** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 7:56 pm

The Solo Portage -- I have not paddled this -- seems a little shallow in the center. It is only 10 and 1/2 inches deep. That means that when you load it, you will have less freeboard. In a solo canoe, I feel fine with 6 inches of freeboard, but perfer around 8". I really like the sheerline of the boat. It is very pretty. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a study plan to look at on his site, so I can't be anymore help than this.

Bryan

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