Solo Canoe for Dogs

I move my Border Collie around to trim out the boat.

I’ve been looking for the optimum solo canoe for dog duty for a decade. The trouble is, optimal dog comfort makes for a slow boat. The best for a dog is indeed a tandem. But with all the sleek solo canoes I’ve had, it’s hard to settle for dismal performance. The Nova Craft Prospector 15 I had at my place in WI was very comfortable for my pup, and not too hard to turn on the twisty, fast Totogatic. I’d never be happy tripping in lake country in that boat. The Swift Prospector 14 I traded for is very stable and comfortable for my 56 lb. mut. It turns easier and I WOULD consider using it to trip, if it wasn’t relatively heavy. Because of the weight (and my age) it’s relegated to doggie daytripper duty.

For canoe camping, I’m counting on the NW Solo. It’s wide and stable, moves pretty good with a load, and holds enough to do the job.

If I were to pick one canoe I’ve owned for dog duty, it would be a compromise between roominess, capacity and efficiency. On paper (with my size dog) that’s the NWS. Let you know how it works out on a trip soon.