Swift Osprey (aluminum gunwales) portage options

I have a fairly old Swift Osprey (2001) that I'm thinking of using for a solo trip in Algonquin. It's fairly heavy and I'd prefer to portage it overhead if possible. I would need some kind of detachable portage yoke I think.

It has aluminum gunwales.

Any suggestions?

craigmcg said:

I have a fairly old Swift Osprey (2001) that I'm thinking of using for a solo trip in Algonquin. It's fairly heavy and I'd prefer to portage it overhead if possible. I would need some kind of detachable portage yoke I think.

It has aluminum gunwales.

Any suggestions?

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I know Hemlock makes detachable portage yokes.


Give them a call and see if they can make one that will work.

I use paddles tied between the seat and the thwart. I'm carrying at least 2 paddles anyway so less weight and fewer parts to keep track of in the woods. You'd probably need a thwart within 28 inches or so of the seat but you can slide the boat forward or backward on the paddle shafts to adjust trim while carrying (really helpful up or down steep hills)

In the past, I've used plastic/aluminum paddles and I've put a wrap of pool noodle on the shafts. I might do away with that this time with the wooden paddles (probably take some pool noodle with me just in case).

BTW: welcome to the site.

Jmharrick said:

I know Hemlock makes detachable portage yokes.

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Give them a call and see if they can make one that will work.

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I went to their demo night yesterday, and Dave Curtis showed me the carrying yoke they designed and I think it would work for me.

You can find clamp on or detachable yokes from vendors such as Hemlock, Northstar, Wenonah, Boundary Waters and Rutabaga. The question is whether they will clamp or attach to skinny aluminum inwales.

We have other threads here that include various DIY yokes from members. Do a site search.