Solo Canoe for Dogs

[EricH]

My wife and I have been canoe camping in the ADK and Algonquin regions for about a decade typically with 2 (once 4) dogs and 2x 120L dry packs using a 1980 BlueWater Jensen 18’ cruiser. This canoe has been fast, easy enough to turn despite the length, ok in head and side winds when loaded, but not always the most stable with dogs who don’t know to keep seated in the center; our older pups are pros now.

While we plan to keep using it for some trips, she wants to get a solo canoes to replace our aging plastic kayaks for our more local river outings. Wanting to only buy these once, I need them to be right for portage trips as well. Our portage trips have been mostly in open water, some times with chop. Used in rivers with just class 1 water, maybe class 2 once.

Looking to hold 1- 2 dogs or 1 dog and one dry pack. Just because, I would get a different brands and model canoe for each of us. Probably will want to be in a sitting position, with foot pegs and use a double blade paddle.

I know the best way to see for my self is to demo them, but that can be hard with dogs. Anyone have any opinions about any of the following options, when it comes to balance and room for dogs?

Northstar Northwind - probably Starlight buildup

Hornbeck 14’ or 15’6” Classic - probably low or mid profile and Matrix Skin

Adirondack Canoe Company Boreas - trimmed sides and carbon kevlar skin

There is a Swift dealer in Canada that I could make a side trip to. And a Wenonah dealer I live close to.

 

[Alan Gage]

How big are the dogs?

Alan

 

[ppine]

Some solo canoes have a pretty narrow beam. Not the best for hauling dogs. I like at least 34 inches of beam for a boat with dogs, especially multiple dogs.

 

[Bob B.]

I have found tandems set up for solo best for long days paddling and dogs. My veteran tripping dog is 10.5 years old. He moves around often to ease his painful joints. He is often accompanied by my 8 month old pup who is doing well, but clearly still in the train phase. Hemlock Eaglet, set up as solo has room for me ( 6’2” ) 215 pounds, 65 five pound Vizsla and 40 plus pound pup. This canoe is robustly built - in light weight skin coat, 40 pounds or so, and is symmetrical … nimble but easy to track straight ( especially with double blade ).

Also, Polaris NorthStar, set up as solo, very stable and large for two dogs … nimble enough and faster than the Eaglet.

Below are pics of my Eaglet with seat back and foot braces. Good luck with your search.

Bob.

 

[gumpus]

I had a Northstar Northwind Solo and it easily handled my 60 pound coonhound, but I'm a kneeler and want my dog right in front of me. It's a stable, high capacity solo. In the Swift line the Keewaydin 15 is very similar to NW Solo and their Prospector 14 is their most stable solo.

In your case we need to know the weight of the dogs and paddlers. If you're counting on the dog being comfy while you sit with your legs straight out you might want to try it first. That works for our latest dog since she's small and tolerant but my bigger dogs didn't like being so confined.

if the dog is OK sitting behind you that could work since you plan to trim with a pack at the other end. I like dog in front.

The dog's temperament matters more in a solo.

I agree with Bob that a light tandem may be worth considering. I have a Northstar Polaris with 3 seats and when paddling solo it could handle 2 dogs easily. Polarus is slightly narrower than most tandems and solos nicely. Eaglet is another fine choice.

 

[EricH]

Thanks all. My dogs are Siberian huskies, with weights ranging from 55lbs - 40lbs.

Generally I would look for the dog to be in the front and the pack behind me.

I’m about 5’10”, 195# myself.

Here’s how dense we packed for some of our limited or non portage canoe camping trips

 

[Alan Gage]

I had no problems carrying a 60 pound springer spaniel in a Bell Magic. We would paddle the local rivers and lakes and fish from it. There was room behind the seat for a pack.

But unless you're comfortable in relatively narrow solo canoes I wouldn't make a blanket recommendation of it.

Since you're talking about possibly carrying multiple dogs of that size then I would echo the advice of the others to look for a small tandem setup as a solo. I personally do not like paddling such large canoes solo but plenty of others do.

Alan

 

[snapper]

It wasn't on your list but I have a Hemlock "Peregrine" and it fits me and my dog with room for gear. My dog, a bona-fide mutt, is about 55 pounds but is willing to lay down on a piece of old yoga mat and stay still most of the time. With her in front of me, there is still room for a good sized pack behind me. If you're really set on a solo, I would suggest you check one out if you can. It might be just what you're looking for.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

 

[Bob B.]

Boy you have really beautiful dogs!

 

[themadindian]

I frequently have my dogs in my esquif adirondack and swift shearwater one at at time and now that I have the pocket canyon I can take out two at a time solo. My dogs weigh between 50 - 70 lbs.
I've shared pics before but I can share some again so you can see space available with different size dogs in the same boats if that would help

 

[EricH]

It wasn't on your list but I have a Hemlock "Peregrine" and it fits me and my dog with room for gear. My dog, a bona-fide mutt, is about 55 pounds but is willing to lay down on a piece of old yoga mat and stay still most of the time. With her in front of me, there is still room for a good sized pack behind me. If you're really set on a solo, I would suggest you check one out if you can. It might be just what you're looking for.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

They are located close to me and I didn’t know it. I’ll check them out!

 

[gumpus]

In my experience the Peregrine and Shearwater are both superb dog boats. Hemlock offers a seat with some fore/aft adjustment that may be quite helpful when carrying a dog (for making dog space and for proper trim).

Overall I'd say it's good to stay within the efficient load range for whatever boat you choose. I think NW Solo can take up to 340 pounds and Peregrine and Shearwater 320.

I think the Magic is worth considering too; it's made for paddlers that sit vs kneel.