Big Water in a Wide Canoe

[Black_Fly]

I’m planning an early May trip and I really want to take the prospector 15. While the additional capacity and stability for fishing is attractive, I’m a little intimidated by getting out on big water when I know I’ll be higher profile and less streamlined. Also, portaging a heavier boat sounds counter intuitive these days. Any advice for modifications or techniques for portaging, crossing lakes, loading, etc? Should I just forget about it and take the magic?

 

[Jatfomike]

Are you taking the pups? If so, prospector…..If your not taking pups…..the Magic…..

Mike

 

[MrPoling]

Solo vs solo+pups is good logic.

For crossings, I carry floatation. I also recommend practice recovering from a swim. You might find the Magic is tricky to re-enter, but who knows.

I see lots of people advise a dry suit for crossings, but that depends on conditions and other details.