Solo Canoe Recommendations Needed for Rocky and Low Water Rivers

Black_Fly · Jul 20, 2024

I’m thinking I need a beater. I’m not sure what canoes to consider, but here are some features I’m hoping to find:

- Under 50 lbs.
- Royalex or some rock resistant material
- forward floor space (wider bottom) for pup, paddler comfort. Not tandem wide, just not a round, narrow floor.
- Adequate Rocker
- Modestly priced

This will be an Ohio boat mostly, although it may take an occasional trip north for novice guests or my own use during low water periods. My Swift P14 has a perfect hull shape for the purposes described. Lots of dog comfort, agility, room. Hull material not ideal for a beater. Ideally, I’d find a similar hull in royalex or t-formex, etc.

I’ve been searching for models like the YS Solo, NS Northwind, etc. I previously commented about an Argosy I once had that was a great solo steam boat but not a dog craft. A canoe I’ve owned that would suffice for this application is a Wehnonah Wilflderness in Tuffweave. It lacked rocker but worked on the Little Miami well enough, and I’d just repair the gel coat as needed.

I’m not up on all the models and materials out there these days. Thanks for your suggestions.

Nick Pending · Jul 20, 2024

Black_Fly said:
- Under 50 lbs.
- Royalex or some rock resistant material

I’m not up on all the models and materials out there these days. Thanks for your suggestions.

BF: I think the "Royalex" and "under 50 pounds" are probably mutually exclusive? Possibly not, me also not up on all the models available now or earlier. There might be some at around 50 pounds or just over it. Good luck in your search.

Mason · Jul 20, 2024

Nick Pending said:
BF: I think the "Royalex" and "under 50 pounds" are probably mutually exclusive? Possibly not, me also not up on all the models available now or earlier. There might be some at around 50 pounds or just over it. Good luck in your search.

Yeah, my 14'10" Mad River Courier, Royalex, is 59 pounds.

snapper · Jul 20, 2024

You might find a Royalex tandem that you can use as a solo if the bow seat is accommodating to your needs. Just a suggestion...

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

jdeerfoot · Jul 20, 2024

I have a Wenonah Wilderness solo (15’6”) in T-formex that weighs 54#. A great river boat and very tough. I bought it very lightly used intending to use it in the rocky streams of the UP. But I have only been up there a couple times and probably won’t be doing much of that kind of padding anymore. I think I am moving into more base-camping-in-the-woods type of trips.

Good luck in your search for an appropriate boat.

Rivercane · Jul 20, 2024

I have a Vagabond in Royalex that's 44#. I weighed it myself with a hanging scale I trust.

It's certainly not fancy nor does it have much rocker. But it's a nice boat for smaller streams and has pretty good primary stability IMO.

It will be for sale soon. I just bought my first composite boat and it's a better fit for my uses. I'm in North Alabama.

Black_Fly · Jul 20, 2024

Maybe 15’ would be a good length to get agility and dog room without excessive weight? Just eyeballed the river today and confirmed that my Blacklite boat shall never touch its water.

Steve in Idaho · Jul 20, 2024

Can't say I know what's best, but I do have one solo I'm keeping around to fill those roles. My Mohawk Solo 14 doesn't display noticeable rocker, but I've never wished it did. It does okay on class 2, but can ship water on big waves. The previous owner made some extended kydex decks for it to handle that issue, but I don't usually have them on. It's primary stability is good enough that novices (read - those who have never been in a solo canoe) are comfortable in it. I haven't had a dog in it yet, but I think a calm 30 lb canine wouldn't be a problem at all. Secondary stability is good enough to edge the boat for turns, but that usually isn't necessary anyway. IIRC, it weighs just over 40 lbs.

I'd suggest a Mad River Guide, but that's a bit over the target weight.

Nomad · Jul 21, 2024

Black_Fly said:
I’m thinking I need a beater. I’m not sure what canoes to consider, but here are some features I’m hoping to find:

- Under 50 lbs.
- Royalex or some rock resistant material
- forward floor space (wider bottom) for pup, paddler comfort. Not tandem wide, just not a round, narrow floor.
- Adequate Rocker
- Modestly priced

This will be an Ohio boat mostly, although it may take an occasional trip north for novice guests or my own use during low water periods. My Swift P14 has a perfect hull shape for the purposes described. Lots of dog comfort, agility, room. Hull material not ideal for a beater. Ideally, I’d find a similar hull in royalex or t-formex, etc.

I’ve been searching for models like the YS Solo, NS Northwind, etc. I previously commented about an Argosy I once had that was a great solo steam boat but not a dog craft. A canoe I’ve owned that would suffice for this application is a Wehnonah Wilflderness in Tuffweave. It lacked rocker but worked on the Little Miami well enough, and I’d just repair the gel coat as needed.

I’m not up on all the models and materials out there these days. Thanks for your suggestions.

Hey From Denver, Co. I came here to ask others their thoughts on how to price a Wenonah Rendezvous that’s been in the water (three reservoirs and one short river). It’s 42#, 15’8”, Kevlar, great tripping canoe, 2”/2” rocker. Saw your request and thought I’d share my situation, although almost o the other side of the world (west of the Mississippi). Need to ask Glenn what I can share, and how, but at least you have an idea something’s out there that wants to find a new owner.

Solo Canoe Recommendations Needed for Rocky and Low Water Rivers

Black_Fly

Nick Pending

Mason

snapper

jdeerfoot

Rivercane

Black_Fly

Steve in Idaho

Nomad

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