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Too hot to do anything big outside, so I might as well get started. Cleaned the area thoroughly with acetone. Did some measuring and made a template with thin card stock. I'm using 4 oz E glass. Cut out one layer, reduced the template size, then cut out another layer. The larger layer will...

I bought it new, but there was a bit of luck involved. Unexpected windfall cash that wasn't needed for anything else. Also, IIRC, it was the first canoe that Kaz applied this honeycomb material (that I can't remember what he called it) in the floor for stiffening. That has proven to be very...

I hope you can keep that balance issue at bay, Glenn. Why two? Good question. Because it's not unusual for a pole to get stuck. If it's stuck good and you don't let it go, it'll jerk you out of the boat (maybe whacking you in the head on the way). The second pole is for getting back into...

A little over a couple years ago, I had some serious medical issues that came on rather suddenly and left me weak and unbalanced. But this isn't about that. I'm okay now. I got back into paddling later in that year - enough to participate in a BWCA trip - but I didn't stand with a pole for more...

On my plastic gripped Zavs, first I used a pipe cutter to cut the shaft 1.5" below the top. That got me under the grip interface. Then I used the Dremel with abrasive disc to cut two lengthwise slots in the shaft section on the grip. After that, it didn't take much heat for the two pieces to...

Pretty much my life experience, as well.

I use the large Action Packers for general gear storage. I write the category of contents on the lid with a sharpie. I keep a small one in the truck with emergency gear, and a large one with cold weather gear in winter. I wouldn't trust one to keep its lid on in a capsize, and it's definitely...

Oooh! Two...yes, two Monarchs! Nice fleet there. I'll bet she's gonna like that Yellowstone.

That's really the key. Beyond that, having valuable skills and tools to put them to use is always good currency. I like to think that being able to move a canoe both upstream and downstream can be a useful skill set. ;)

One of my favorite books in my youth was Earth Abides. In it, the protagonist actually comes out of the wilderness and back to civilization - only to find it completely fallen to deadly pandemic. I tend to think the story is a bit more realistic than the idea of escaping to wilderness. I guess...

A valid perspective. And I might add that rental canoes may be available in some cases (not nearly as many as Minnesota though), and if you play your cards right, you might find locals willing to lend a boat for the pleasure of your company. ;)

This is another reason why I like to replace the solo bench seat with a foam pedestal. I just carry the canoe upside down with the pedestal on one shoulder. On my Guide, I made the front of the saddle long enough to balance naturally. The Wildfire is light enough that I can hold up the front for...

Wow! That looked like it might have done some damage. I couldn't quite make out what the background noise was after it calved. Did it send a lot of birds into flight?

Can't help much with that, Chip. But as I have a plan to grab an Advantage if I ever get the chance, I'm going to follow this thread. ;) My longest solo I've paddled is the 15.5' Solitude. It has a pretty round bottom with little or no rocker. I stay pretty centered and level unless I'm...

That cleaned up nicely!

Holy Cow Canoes have been made with three keels like that. I think they're still in business. Only place I've seen them for sale new is Ebay.

Looks good from where I'm sitting. :)

Yes, thanks @GladMax for posting your repair process. I'm about to do one very similar (on more of a beater), and this helps me feel better about it. On texture... One of the things I like about my kevlar tandems is that the weave on the inside has not been filled in, so my feet don't slip easy...

My understanding is that the budget cuts weren't yet in effect. Also, the weather service is on record saying that they were not under staffed.

@PaddlingPika - your reasoning is part of why inflatable SUPs have become so popular. Pretty good idea, IMO - but I'm not quite there yet.