Recent content by dougd

Over the years I've had different brands of paddles and in the early years it was all straight blade. In 2001 I bought two different Mitchell paddles, one a double bent and the other a single bent. The double is 50" and the single is 48". These are the only paddles I use now regardless of the...

Thanks for the as always entertaining trip report. I have always enjoyed your trips and writing style! I always look for a new write from you! dougd

On a 30 day trip starting in Quebec and then traversing the heart of Maine we started running out of water. Snubbing down the Seboeis River my in my Disco 158 and Hal in MR Explorer left curly cues off the bottom of our hulls. When hit the Penobscot we got to Grindstone Rapids and the rock...

I agree with Traveler, We had a horse at one time and those mats although heavy as a bugger are so rugged they are worth the money. I use one on the lawn in front of my shop and it has withstood the tests of NH weather for 4 years now and is still going strong! doug

I've done it with great success. My only b*tch was when I ordered from Uline(?) I had to order 1500' of the size sleeve I needed. At 40$ it wasn't a deal breaker. And BTW Fitz it was you who introduced me to this method!

Back in the day using a wannigan we brought along a backpack frame with a shelf on it for portaging. It worked pretty darn good and when not being used it kept gear out of the bilge water.

I bought my Disco 158 back in 99' and it came with those gawd awful and heavy plastic seats, water catcher to keep your arse wet. First thing to go and replaced with cane seats which promptly ripped out so converted to web. Many of the early Disco's came with those darn things. Take em' out...

You and Hope are pretty darned rugged. This is a good read and I appreciate you posting it! dougd

Very nice job! I'm happy to see that old relic brought back to life! With two paddlers at a good pace that hull is a rocket! Not so good at fast turns but a nice ride. Two thumbs up to you!

If you are still going with the logic shelter, maybe I missed something, I had one and some left over paneling which I slid between the frame and the skin on the roof area which helped a lot with snow loads. Also as mentioned I would use a shovel to push up on the roof area to get the snow to...

Mike, I almost hit the Like button on that last sentence!

Hey SB, I just sent you a PM. It's yours if you want it.

Contoocook Canoe is literally down the road from my house, I pass it daily. Looking at their website the Firebird isn't listed: http://www.contoocookcanoe.com/northstarcanoe But it might be worth a call to them to see if it's something they could order. 603-753-9804. Although I don't go...

Well, a recently diagnosed Sacroiliac Joint problem has left me hamstrung for almost 4 years but with the new plan maybe I will be able to get out and paddle again this year. Going with least invasive, just a shot and if that doesn't work maybe surgery. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the...

I have one that I took out of MR ME hull. Still don't know what to do with it. If anyone wants it and is in the NH area it's yours for free. It may end up on the side of the road for free at some point! dougd