I’m not seeing much room for gear and my mut. I could probably fit 2 packs with the dog, but it would be tight.
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Which Canoe For Summer Solo?
- Thread starter Black_Fly
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Loving those lining holes!
I own a Swift Prospector 14 Pack. Quite stable. I don't do any white water. Adirondack streams around me, Osewegatchie, similar. Huge capacity: last year 2 large packs, a not very compact chair, a small pac, and a cooler. (NFCT work weekend)
If you're up my way, I'd be pleased to let you try it.
If you're up my way, I'd be pleased to let you try it.
Only minor issues getting 50 days of supplies into the XL14 (14'3", 32" width at gunnels, 30 at waterline, 3" rocker).
This pic is from about day 12/51, there has been a little "settling" of the dry bags.
Same boat, different trip, the Put-in at Harris Lake (near Savant Lake), start of a 46 day trip to Fort Albany on James Bay.
I gave up trying to get that barrel lying down! I was only paddling up to the north end of the lake so didn't worry about it. After the portage there I rearranged things so it all fit nicely. Since I took the train the gear was weighed 225lbs plus I carried on about 50lbs, pfd, paddles, ropes, carabiners, water bottles (filled) etc were all attached to the canoe. probably close to 300lbs total plus me at 150lbs
This pic is from about day 12/51, there has been a little "settling" of the dry bags.
Same boat, different trip, the Put-in at Harris Lake (near Savant Lake), start of a 46 day trip to Fort Albany on James Bay.
I gave up trying to get that barrel lying down! I was only paddling up to the north end of the lake so didn't worry about it. After the portage there I rearranged things so it all fit nicely. Since I took the train the gear was weighed 225lbs plus I carried on about 50lbs, pfd, paddles, ropes, carabiners, water bottles (filled) etc were all attached to the canoe. probably close to 300lbs total plus me at 150lbs
Love the mascots!
From Rec's pics you may be surprised by how much your boat will hold even with the dog. With spring around the corner time to get the gear out to see what fits and then schedule some short trips. I see that is the only real way to know. That is why I drove to Madison 2x and to WPA from central IA to test out boats I was interested in. No other way to know if they fit my large frame. I tried out your P14 it felt small so I was able to cross that one off my list.
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Yes, I apologize if it seems like I'm jumping on you or your comments. I think the Swift P14/15 are fine choices for the way many people actually use their boats...probably better than a highly rocker Prospector, but I've been pinned against trees in current in boats with more rocker than P14 so I'm sensitive to the safety aspect of comparing them to something like Nova Craft P15 that has a bulletproof reputation with Canadians for tripping in rivers that can kill you. I have a Loonworks Aria that has a Prospector shape (very similar to Wildfire but more rounded) and that boat is virtually unaffected by current and while it has relatively low primary stability it feels dead calm sitting on top of standing waves. I use lake boats on rivers frequently and they work great right up until the point where you really need a river boat.No argument - I agree. I do not think the Swift P14 handles like a true Prospector (the only big Prospector I have paddled is a Nova Craft P16, and that boat solo turned similarly to the Swift P14 from what I can remember, but I paddled them years apart so it's not a fair comparison).
A couple of years ago I paddled the Swift P14 and WildFIRE back to back and was surprised by how easily the P14 turned compared to what I was expecting, but I FULLY agree it is no WildFIRE. Much much much more tame - and not nearly as fun.
What I was trying to get across is that I wouldn't hesitate to take a Swift P14 on a wilderness trip if I had one. I just see no need to go out and get another boat if that's what one has (although in reality there is ALWAYS the need for another boat!). In no way did I intend to imply that the P14 has the performance of the WildFIRE or Phoenix, rather I think it can carry more of a load than either and will be adequate on a river / lake expedition.
The NC P15 and 16 are really underrated river canoes, IMO. I sure miss mine, but it got too heavy. If I ever get a shot at one in Blue Steel again, I'm all over that.
I really appreciate this thread and all the input from those that have posted. I've been pondering the purchase of a canoe for a few years now for tripping on Michigan U.P. rivers. I have a couple different kayaks that I used for fishing big and small lakes that work great, but I wouldn't consider tripping in either of them.
I finally hit semi-retirement, collecting SS and have time to wipe a few things of my bucket list before physical limitations get too bad. The used marketplace has never been that blessed with used canoes in my area. Plenty of used sporting goods store battleships, portage be danged, and beat up overpriced aluminum canoes. Unless something jumps out at me, I'll end up buying new and have it shipped.
2-5 days solo , slow moving smaller rivers with lots of woody obstacles, portages and frequent stops to fish.
Continuing to lurk and learn.
I finally hit semi-retirement, collecting SS and have time to wipe a few things of my bucket list before physical limitations get too bad. The used marketplace has never been that blessed with used canoes in my area. Plenty of used sporting goods store battleships, portage be danged, and beat up overpriced aluminum canoes. Unless something jumps out at me, I'll end up buying new and have it shipped.
2-5 days solo , slow moving smaller rivers with lots of woody obstacles, portages and frequent stops to fish.
Continuing to lurk and learn.
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Don't tell anyone but I think the used canoe market is looking good again. I looked at facebook marketplace in Marquette and saw a bunch of possibilities...like a clean Old Town Penobscot 16 for $400 (about 59 pounds) and an 18 pound Northstar ADK for $1800. I also see a Northstar Firebird in IXP for $2k...great boat but maybe a bit too lively for you for fishing.
My opinion is that you start with weight...you need to figure out what you are comfortable lifting so you never hesitate to paddle because you hate loading the boat. Then maybe decide if you want a solo or a small tandem. I think we could find some good used options near you and if you expand your search area I'm pretty sure that we can find something that fits your needs well.
If you want to pop down to SW MI I can put you in a few boats to help you decide what you like.
I went down below the bridge yesterday, I'm near my limit for 2025, but I do appreciate the offer. It's tempting to drive over to WI for Canoecopia but 6 hours is a haul and I don't do traffic very well.
I've got a bum right shoulder, long thoracic nerve damage, so overhead stuff can be a challenge. I'm thinking 59lbs might be a bit of a stretch. Throw in a long day with multiple portages or just sore from a couple days out won't help. I'd love to keep it under 40lbs and obviously lighter is better. A shorter canoe should help with portages, maneuverability and weight so I'm looking mainly for a solo.
I borrowed an old aluminum canoe on a hike in lake last summer and I would not like to have lifted it overhead. It was a trial run to take my Brittany with me, which was entertaining. The canoe sat way too high in the water and acted like a sail with the slightest wind. The dog standing on the rails trying to catch fish made it entertaining as primary stability seemed to be lacking. Still, good times were had.
I see a 12 foot Nova Trapper in Charlevoix on FB today...lol I drove through Charlevoix yesterday. I messaged them on which material it's made out of. I'm 6-2 220lbs, trying to loose a little bit of weight, slow but sure. My camping gear is going to be very light and compact.
but I do appreciate the offer. It's tempting to drive over to WI for Canoecopia but 6 hours is a haul and I don't do traffic very well.I've got a bum right shoulder, long thoracic nerve damage, so overhead stuff can be a challenge. I'm thinking 59lbs might be a bit of a stretch. Throw in a long day with multiple portages or just sore from a couple days out won't help. I'd love to keep it under 40lbs and obviously lighter is better. A shorter canoe should help with portages, maneuverability and weight so I'm looking mainly for a solo.
I borrowed an old aluminum canoe on a hike in lake last summer and I would not like to have lifted it overhead. It was a trial run to take my Brittany with me, which was entertaining. The canoe sat way too high in the water and acted like a sail with the slightest wind. The dog standing on the rails trying to catch fish made it entertaining as primary stability seemed to be lacking. Still, good times were had.
I see a 12 foot Nova Trapper in Charlevoix on FB today...lol I drove through Charlevoix yesterday. I messaged them on which material it's made out of. I'm 6-2 220lbs, trying to loose a little bit of weight, slow but sure. My camping gear is going to be very light and compact.
Canocopia is totally worth the haul if you want to see the state of the industry and where hull technology has gotten. You will be able to see/touch/lift hulls all the way down into the teens of pounds.I went down below the bridge yesterday, I'm near my limit for 2025,
I've got a bum right shoulder, long thoracic nerve damage, so overhead stuff can be a challenge. I'm thinking 59lbs might be a bit of a stretch. Throw in a long day with multiple portages or just sore from a couple days out won't help. I'd love to keep it under 40lbs and obviously lighter is better. A shorter canoe should help with portages, maneuverability and weight so I'm looking mainly for a solo.
The only traffic I think you would run into would be that stretch of I41 by Green Bay, and then Madison itself. Still, 6 hours is no picnic. We come up from Indianapolis every year, and sometimes I will take the extra hour just to completely avoid Chicago.
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I went down below the bridge yesterday, I'm near my limit for 2025,
Well well, who's the troll in this situation?
Trapper seems like a great choice for your planned use.
lololol. I'm originally from California, my wife is originally from Mackinaw City. She crossed the bridge to get here, which makes her a troll. I came through Wisconsin....suppose that actually makes me a cheesehead. 
Weve been here since July 2018 and couldn't be happier.
Weve been here since July 2018 and couldn't be happier.
I sent a msg to the seller for the trapper. If it's still available, I'll head down on Tuesday to pick it up. I'm one of those people that procrastinates forever and if I do that here I'll still be looking for a canoe next spring as well. Dive in.
Not sure if I should have started a new thread or just keep building on this one. I guess staying here keeps all the info in one spot.
I drove down state this morning to pick up the 12 foot Nova Trapper, short story is it didn't work out and we never made contact. It looks like they closed shop and are selling their old inventory. If they ever get back to me, I might make a return trip. So, it's back to marketplace, canoe trader etc. I'd rather not drop 4 bills on a canoe but not totally against it. SRT, Trillium, Phoenix, Prospector 14, Trapper, Peregrine (long), Kestrel,,
The two rivers on my short list are the two hearted up north and the carp near st ignace, both are fairly narrow but slower rivers.
Optimal load of 120-250. I was 216 this morning, then adding 30 lbs of gear.?? Add a 35lb Brittany instead of gear for short day trips. Way too many ticks to drag her through the woods in the summer on multi day trips.
Northstar Firebird IXP
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I drove down state this morning to pick up the 12 foot Nova Trapper, short story is it didn't work out and we never made contact. It looks like they closed shop and are selling their old inventory. If they ever get back to me, I might make a return trip. So, it's back to marketplace, canoe trader etc. I'd rather not drop 4 bills on a canoe but not totally against it. SRT, Trillium, Phoenix, Prospector 14, Trapper, Peregrine (long), Kestrel,,
The two rivers on my short list are the two hearted up north and the carp near st ignace, both are fairly narrow but slower rivers.
Optimal load of 120-250. I was 216 this morning, then adding 30 lbs of gear.?? Add a 35lb Brittany instead of gear for short day trips. Way too many ticks to drag her through the woods in the summer on multi day trips.
Northstar Firebird IXP
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A thought about the SRT - it's one of my favorite boats hands down, but it's moderately deep - you may want to see if your pup can see out the sides of the boat before buying. This wouldn't be an issue in any of the others you mention.Not sure if I should have started a new thread or just keep building on this one. I guess staying here keeps all the info in one spot.
I drove down state this morning to pick up the 12 foot Nova Trapper, short story is it didn't work out and we never made contact. It looks like they closed shop and are selling their old inventory. If they ever get back to me, I might make a return trip. So, it's back to marketplace, canoe trader etc. I'd rather not drop 4 bills on a canoe but not totally against it. SRT, Trillium, Phoenix, Prospector 14, Trapper, Peregrine (long), Kestrel,,
The two rivers on my short list are the two hearted up north and the carp near st ignace, both are fairly narrow but slower rivers.
Optimal load of 120-250. I was 216 this morning, then adding 30 lbs of gear.?? Add a 35lb Brittany instead of gear for short day trips. Way too many ticks to drag her through the woods in the summer on multi day trips.
Northstar Firebird IXP
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I weigh about the same; my guess is that Trillium and Kestrel would be on the small side unless you're a light packer (certainly can be done however, check out https://www.youtube.com/@ItsGoodintheWoods on YouTube - he has a Trillium and has tripped in it). But weight would not be an issue in any of those other boats you mention (with doggy room to spare).
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I'm assuming that you will sit, not kneel. I think the Firebird is too small, it's made for smaller folks. Phoenix is a good fit for you...it is very stable for a river boat and is made for rivers (and works OK on lakes) and can easily handle your load...even if you take the dog camping. Prospector 14 is a great fit for you...similar to Trapper in tetms of extreme stability. I love Peregrine and regret selling mine. It is superb for cruising, it is very stable and can easily handle your load. It does not turn particularly well so it would be harder to make turns on narrow streams. Although it's a lake boat mine was used mostly on rivers. Keewsydin 15 will cruise better than P14 and also turn a little better and it's a stable solo...sort of in-between P14 and Peregrine. I had an SRT and agree it's a cool boat with a lot of personality but I don't think it fits your needs because it has relatively low primary stability. And as Nikon mentioned, it's super deep (15 inches) so my black lab couldn't lay down and still see out. That depth is for serious rivers and works against you in high wind.Not sure if I should have started a new thread or just keep building on this one. I guess staying here keeps all the info in one spot.
I drove down state this morning to pick up the 12 foot Nova Trapper, short story is it didn't work out and we never made contact. It looks like they closed shop and are selling their old inventory. If they ever get back to me, I might make a return trip. So, it's back to marketplace, canoe trader etc. I'd rather not drop 4 bills on a canoe but not totally against it. SRT, Trillium, Phoenix, Prospector 14, Trapper, Peregrine (long), Kestrel,,
The two rivers on my short list are the two hearted up north and the carp near st ignace, both are fairly narrow but slower rivers.
Optimal load of 120-250. I was 216 this morning, then adding 30 lbs of gear.?? Add a 35lb Brittany instead of gear for short day trips. Way too many ticks to drag her through the woods in the summer on multi day trips.
Northstar Firebird IXP
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I haven't paddled a Trapper but it seems like a great fit.
One overall consideration is stability vs performance. Do you value stability above all (like boats made for fishing) or do you value ease of moving through the water and/or maneuverability such that you'd give up a little atability?
Used Northstar Firebird IXP in great shape for $2k
Brand new Nova Trapper FG for $1,250
I'm fine with the extra cost and longer drive for the Firebird. Trapper is shorter and wider with a higher weight capacity. Again, 6'2" 216lbs with ultralight camping gear. When I go out with my Brittany I don't expect it to be for camping and my involve small lakes for Bass fishing. I've paddled some old aluminum canoes in small lakes and a few slow streams in a rental fiberglass boat.
I guess it comes down to load rating and hull strength. Looking for input.
edit..post above was while i was posting this.....dental apointment in 32 minutes...will check in later
Brand new Nova Trapper FG for $1,250
I'm fine with the extra cost and longer drive for the Firebird. Trapper is shorter and wider with a higher weight capacity. Again, 6'2" 216lbs with ultralight camping gear. When I go out with my Brittany I don't expect it to be for camping and my involve small lakes for Bass fishing. I've paddled some old aluminum canoes in small lakes and a few slow streams in a rental fiberglass boat.
I guess it comes down to load rating and hull strength. Looking for input.
edit..post above was while i was posting this.....dental apointment in 32 minutes...will check in later
I love the Firebird - it's very similar to the FlashFIRE I own, but I would not bring a dog in that boat at my size (and cannot see tripping in it unless I do absolute minimal packing).
Essentially the trade-off is between weight and function. For what my opinion is worth, it sounds like a Prospector 14 or 15 may be the ideal boat that would meet all your needs. To keep it light you'd probably want a Swift (in any layup they offer) or Nova Craft P15 (in one of their lighter layups), both of which are going to cost more money. Fiberglass is fine if you're not going to hit any rocks and/or not going to carry, but for most other things I'd want some Kevlar or innegra.
Based on everything that has been shared in these posts, If the weight of the boat is not much of a limiting factor, you could save some money and look for a used Old Town Pathfinder (Camper 15), Mad River Explorer 15 (a bit more rare), or Esquif Huron or Prospector 15 and paddle it backwards from the bow seat (really any 15' prospector-esque royalex or T-Formex boat will work). These boats are heavier on carries, but if you're mostly sticking to rivers with few or any portages, then these boats are comparatively inexpensive, are indestructible, and will do pretty much anything you would want (and everything you have mentioned).
Whatever you end up doing, if at all possible, I highly recommend test paddling different boats - if nothing else it is an excuse to get out on the water!
