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Guest
Guest
I posted this on the ADK forum and got some ideas. I figure I'll put it here for fun:
Although I like both my boats, I don't consider them to be the best choice for the Adirondacks and the places I like to go and want to go with my boat.
My wife and I both thought we'd make the plunge to pack canoes but have decided although the weight and size is right, they just aren't for us. We both have different reasons why but let's assume that a double blade boat with a floor seat isn't an option.
Those of us who frequent this forum know of Conk and his bushwhacking Curtis Mayfly, and those of us who have read back know that is not the boat he started with.
While I do not have the aspirations of the Conk, both the wife and I want to go farther, and do more in park.
At the moment, my wife is not interested in learning to solo single blade. I wish she were because it would simplify my life, but it just is what it is. She will also not tolerate me running off with my own solo boat...
Money aside, what options would be the best for medium to small water and long ports in the park? Also assume we want to sit up (my wife likes to be able to see into the water, a major complaint of the pack canoe) and propel ourselves with a single blade stick.
The ideal boat would be as light as possible yet rugged and able to carry up to 500 lbs efficiently. Size is also a concern because some of the places I've hiked, but not taken the boat, but would like to, involve potential blowdown, encroaching vegetation, muddy trails and difficult log bridges.
For those that don't know, we have the Keewaydin 16 in Kevlar Fusion. The weight is good, but lighter would be better. The size is OK, but possibly a 15' and slightly narrower hull would be better? Possibly trade off a little hull efficiency for weight and compactness?
Sorry for the long-winded request. But I am serious about paddling in the park. We have another boat that does fine for big lakes and short ports... but can any other boat meet our needs better than our current?
Thanks!
So far the top contenders are:
1) My current Keewaydin - net cost $0
2) A Carbon Fusion Keewaydin which could shave some weight - $3500! Ouch! Plus concerns about durabiltiy
3) A Bell Morningstar in ? layup and trim - whatever one is the one that weighs 36 lbs provided I could even find one for sale - I'm guessing $1500-1700?
4) A Hemlock Eaglet in which I beg and plead with the builder to outfit the 35 lb solo version with lightweight yoke and dual seats - $3500+ Ouch again!
5) A Colden Starfire which YC and I have already argued about but I'll leave as an option - No idea...
6) A Swift Prospector 15 Kevlar with Carbon trim (35 lb) - probably a decided decrease in performance - $3250
Although I like both my boats, I don't consider them to be the best choice for the Adirondacks and the places I like to go and want to go with my boat.
My wife and I both thought we'd make the plunge to pack canoes but have decided although the weight and size is right, they just aren't for us. We both have different reasons why but let's assume that a double blade boat with a floor seat isn't an option.
Those of us who frequent this forum know of Conk and his bushwhacking Curtis Mayfly, and those of us who have read back know that is not the boat he started with.
While I do not have the aspirations of the Conk, both the wife and I want to go farther, and do more in park.
At the moment, my wife is not interested in learning to solo single blade. I wish she were because it would simplify my life, but it just is what it is. She will also not tolerate me running off with my own solo boat...
Money aside, what options would be the best for medium to small water and long ports in the park? Also assume we want to sit up (my wife likes to be able to see into the water, a major complaint of the pack canoe) and propel ourselves with a single blade stick.
The ideal boat would be as light as possible yet rugged and able to carry up to 500 lbs efficiently. Size is also a concern because some of the places I've hiked, but not taken the boat, but would like to, involve potential blowdown, encroaching vegetation, muddy trails and difficult log bridges.
For those that don't know, we have the Keewaydin 16 in Kevlar Fusion. The weight is good, but lighter would be better. The size is OK, but possibly a 15' and slightly narrower hull would be better? Possibly trade off a little hull efficiency for weight and compactness?
Sorry for the long-winded request. But I am serious about paddling in the park. We have another boat that does fine for big lakes and short ports... but can any other boat meet our needs better than our current?
Thanks!
So far the top contenders are:
1) My current Keewaydin - net cost $0
2) A Carbon Fusion Keewaydin which could shave some weight - $3500! Ouch! Plus concerns about durabiltiy
3) A Bell Morningstar in ? layup and trim - whatever one is the one that weighs 36 lbs provided I could even find one for sale - I'm guessing $1500-1700?
4) A Hemlock Eaglet in which I beg and plead with the builder to outfit the 35 lb solo version with lightweight yoke and dual seats - $3500+ Ouch again!
5) A Colden Starfire which YC and I have already argued about but I'll leave as an option - No idea...
6) A Swift Prospector 15 Kevlar with Carbon trim (35 lb) - probably a decided decrease in performance - $3250
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