Solo Composite Canoe that can do it all 😉

[Glenn MacGrady]

a lightweight kevlar Bob Special

I own a Nova Craft Aramid Lite Bob Special. As a solo, it's relatively slow and doesn't turn well, although that might not be important to paddlers more interested in a canoe's platform-for-other-activities capability rather than performance capabilities.

The NC Bob Special also has a shallow V bottom, so it has an initial stability wiggle-wobble, which quickly firms up as the wide beam and massive secondary stability take over. I got the distinct impression that the lack of solid initial stability bothered the relatively novice seller from whom I bought it. It shouldn't bother anyone with narrow solo experience. I'm sure you can stand in it as long as you don't expect flat bottom tandem canoe initial stability, and can adapt to autonomic balance like all the polers in V bottom Mad River Explorers.

 

[TheIndian]

If my "between the lines reading" is correct, you're not looking to stand while fishing. Also, other than fishing, you're comfortable in the Argosy. You didn't mention whitewater, and your suggestion of 17' indicates no expectation of any.

So, I'm surprised that no one has yet mentioned the Wenonah Prism.

ETA: I fish out of my Clipper Solitude very comfortably. It isn't available with bench seat, AFAIK. The Prism, IMO, is a slightly better boat anyway.

Thank you Steve. I like the Prism. Just not a fan of the bucket seat.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Thank you Steve. I like the Prism. Just not a fan of the bucket seat.

Have you tried it though? I never thought I'd like one until I paddled (and then bought) my Solitude. Anyway, I've seen a Prism with bench seat. Is that not still an option?

 

[Ravenwolf]

I have an Eaglet, and find it excellent as it is narrower and symmetrical, both traits that speak to me. I love mine, even in ultra light layup it is robustly built from the waterline down. I did not mention it as it is under 17 feet. Still, as a solo it remains nimble and holds a lot of gear.

It can be rigged as tandem, solo or a 3 seater. I am 6’2” about 220 pounds, and trip with a 70 pound dog. We can paddle with enough kit for several weeks of back country travel.

The solo boats you mention are excellent including the Solo Plus mentioned by ScottS. They are straight rocketed boats. I prefer a boat that has more rocker and is able to turn easily. I find this a welcomed trait when fishing reefs in wind, as well as navigating the narrow twisties for exploring off the main larger bodied lakes.

Lots of good canoes out there, good luck with your search.

Good day, I wanted to ask about your Eaglet. We are the same size, but at 62 age my kneeling days are no more could a lower seat with a foot brace and back rest , taking other seats out work? Thanks; Ravenwolf

 

[Bob B.]

Ravenwolf,

My Eaglet has a lowered seat with backrest ( crazy creek ), kayak foot braces and currently has one seat only. It was purchased as a tandem and reconfigured to be a large solo for myself and my dog. Set up this way it paddles very well … I still have less power and balance than kneeling, but I can no longer kneel either. So, set up this way I can day paddle and trip very well. My Eaglet has a removable yoke from Dave at Hemlock.

Ask me any questions you want, I think it is a terrific large solo canoe.

 

[Bob B.]

Couple more pics of the canoe … hope this helps you to “ see “ what it is like in this configuration.

Bob.

 

[Ravenwolf]

Bob; great reply wonderful information, and great four legged friends. Yes, what you have shared here is worth considering. Best to you and yours; Ravenwolf

 

[Black_Fly]

How big are you? The Encounter is a huge boat. Tall sides that catch wind. Mine was a little much for me and my kit, even with my dog along. Plus, it’s strictly a tracker, not a river boat.

The Bob Special might be a better all around choice. Old thread do it probably doesn’t matter now.

 

[Bob B.]

Ravenwolf,

Here are the last of the pics that may be of assistance as well … I forgot to add them above.




I hope this gives you a much better idea of what you are looking for without being able to see one in person. Good luck to you.