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I’m getting ready to take the P14 down a river that can be very rocky, unpredictable. It’s been down north Ontario rivers, so some wear is apparent. At some point, skids will likely be necessary, especially when I take it down N Wisconsin streams. I’ve always used Kevlar felt skids but I’m...

Anyone know a resource for this type of self inflating canoe seat pad? Seems they’re not sold anymore from typical shops. I dug one up that makes a superb backrest pad. I’d like to attach another to my Ohio canoe if I can find it.

Took two solo canoes for the first time in forever (no heavy arse yak for bride). Fish spawning, bullfrogs too. Still tinkering with my seat configuration. 5 miles and my arm didn’t come off. Mostly double blade paddling. Less painful.

Installed the carbon fiber footbrace. The craftsmanship of this Swift boat sure stands out. I’ve always owned aluminum trim. Test drive Thursday when the wind subsides. Gonna take the phoenix for the wife.

Hauled the “new” Swiftie back to Ohio for foot brace and detachable yoke installation. She’ll go back go Wisconsin for use on the Totogatic. Again, I found myself hauling in less than ideal circumstances. Heavy winds from west, I was heading south on I-39 to dogleg around Chicago (Windy...

Moved the thwart back 2”. Plenty of recline with my Backsaver.

I’m thinking about the days before dehydrators, freeze dried package meals, when campers packed food staples like corn meal, flour, dried meat, rice, fruit, beans, etc. Anyone do any of that beyond bannock making? I’m wondering if there’s a net savings in weight for a long term trip.

My Canoe has some threaded metal holes for a proprietary screw on yoke. Doesn’t look like my clamp on yoke will work (and it’s 800 miles away). Swift doesn’t have their yoke available. Anyone know a substitute yoke that might work with these gunnels? I could make one if I knew he thread size...

First time paddling my Swifty P14. Took her to a lake as I didn’t know how my shoulder would respond, and a 3 hour river run seems risky. Despite some wind and no footbrace, I was able to play around. She did fine without any ballast. I’ll keep a jug onboard but moving my pack around seemed...

Not sure I made a good deal but I just swapped my NC Prospector 15 for a Swift Prospector 14. I’m hoping the expedition Kevlar will hold up to the Totogatic. I shed 20 lbs of weight for a much more maneuverable package. Not sure if it’s stable enough for my dog. Now I want to go for a paddle.

It was gorgeous here in NW Wisconsin yesterday. The Totogatic is high, little wind. I moved my NC P15 out and fitted her with my seat, gathered all my padding paraphernalia. Then it occurred to me that I’ve paddling exactly once with my post surgical shoulder, and that was for 1.5 hours on...

Just paddling the Phoenix for the first time. First paddle with new shoulder. The only problem is the rear thwart, which is too close to the seat to recline to a comfortable position. I have 3 choices: 1. Move the thwart back a couple inces to accommodate the back saver 2. Move the seat...

Got the Backsaver and footbrace installed thanks to beautiful weather. Weighs in at 29 lbs. All she needs are lining holes. I’m hoping to find a lighter weight 5/8” OD tubing (lighter than the reinforced vinyl I’ve been using). She should still be around 30 lbs after the holes are added.

Anyone know of a tubular folding canoe stand with webbing cradle to support the canoe open side up?

Bitter cold is setting in and I’m hauling my new canoe 600 miles. Temps will be dropping from 20* F throughout the trip, 20 mph winds. Any danger of cracking the hull with such conditions?

I couldn’t resist. I plopped down the scratch for this Blacklite Phoenix this morning. Now how to tell the wife 😕.

I’m near to pulling the trigger on a very lightweight day tripping canoe to aid in my recovery from shoulder surgery. The Blacklite layup from Northstar is offered on both the Phoenix and the Firebird with weights in the upper 20s (lbs), which sounds GREAT, but I’m wondering if it’s rigid...

I’m researching high volume solo canoes with responsive, not tippy hull designs. My NC 15 is a fine boat, but a little heavy for my new upper carriage situation. To be honest, it was a load before my injury. I could handle it, but it was tough to load on my car and flip in some landings. It...

I’m recuperating from shoulder surgery this winter. Therapist says I MIGHT be ready to snowshoe in February, possibly not. Right now, I can’t do much but read and watch the boob tube. I desperately need some suggestions for reading material. I’m now re-reading books from 25 years ago. Read...

My prospector paddles better with 6 gallons up front. I’m not sure if the nose is the best place. If I move it back, besides displaying Bogan, would it work any better or would I just need more weight?