What next? Need recommendations for a solo-able tandem canoe.

[OxbowJay]

I have an Esquif “Echo” and an OT Camper and I am looking to add another canoe (used) I’m thinking a tandem that performs well paddled solo or a solo built on a tandem hull, like a MR Independence. I don’t expect to be doing much in the way of tripping, but at 6’1”, 245, I’m a pretty big guy, which is why I’m looking for a tandem that paddles well, solo. I really like the older MR designs, with ash gunnels so aesthetics are important to me.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

JDG

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

Not to evade specifics, Jay, but any tandem canoe can be paddled solo. You can either sit in the bow seat backwards or install a centralized solo seat or kneeling thwart. You may have to move or remove a thwart that's in the way of your seating position. You could also remove the bow and stern tandem seats to lighten the weight.

In other words, your options are almost limitless. For example, both the 15' Camper (also called the Pathfinder) and 16' Old Town Camper were tandem canoes that have often been soloed.

Wenonah makes a combi solo/tandem hull they call the Solo Plus, Hemlock makes one called the Eaglet, and Swift makes combi canoes using their Prospector and Keewaydin hulls. The Mad River Malecite was popular both tandem and solo. These particular canoes may or may not be available used in your location, which you can specify by adding it to the Account Details page in your profile.

 

[OxbowJay]

Thanks for reminding me to finish my profile. I live in SE Michigan and I spend a lot of time on the AuSable, usually the South Branch, or on small lakes.

I know that most tandoms can be paddled solo but some paddle solo better than others. I have paddled my Camper solo, sitting in the bow sear facing back, and kneeling. The Camper is a good platform, forgiving and stable, it's like a cast iron skillit; there really isn't anything you can't do in it, but the flat bottom makes it a little responsive to when paddling solo. I'm looking for a canoe that's more dynamic and easy to heel and paddle.

From what I have read, a Malecite may be a good fit, but I’m sure there are others, which is why I asked.

- Jay

 

[Steve in Idaho]

If you're thinking about a Malecite (which I have and agree that it paddles well solo) also consider a Bell Northstar (of which if I understand correctly, the Northstar Polaris is a current iteration), and the Wenonah Escapade. Oh, and the Ranger Otter.

 

[lowangle al]

I like my Malecite for solo. I mostly paddled it from the bow seat backwards. I removed the center seat before ever trying it out, but I use that center position for fishing and photography as it tracks well. If I was doing more whitewater I think I would prefer a MR Explorer. I find with the Malecite I need to be more sensitive to how it is trimmed when in a current.

 

[OxbowJay]

That's pretty consistant with what I have read about the Malecite's. Ptoblem is, finding one that's reasonably close to pick up. An Explorer is also on my list - I would like to find a Duck Hunter that hasn't been beat to heck.

 

[memaquay]

I'd look at a Nova Craft Chestnut Pal. A touch to small for tandem tripping for heavy people, but will do in a pinch, but an excellent solo for bigger fellas.

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

I'd look at a Nova Craft Chestnut Pal. A touch to small for tandem tripping for heavy people, but will do in a pinch, but an excellent solo for bigger fellas.

I have a Nova Craft Bob Special in my fleet—actually at my daughter's house in Florida—and I'd say similar things about it as Mem did about the NC Pal. However, it's a foot shorter than the Pal at 15', an inch wider at 35", and an inch centrally deeper at 14".

Frankly, I don't care for it as a solo canoe; it's too slow and too hard to turn for my taste, which has been fashioned by 40+ years of narrow and turnable dedicated solo canoes. Even though I've never paddled a NC Pal, I'd recommend it over the NC Bob Special as a solo canoe if paddling motion pleasure, as opposed to paddling platform-ism, is your goal.

 

[D J Hayes]

My Rheaume Muskoka with its kneeling thwart is a joy to paddle solo. It has an asymmetrical hull and I only partially heel it when paddling solo but it moves quite well on flatwater whether calm or choppy. Am thinking that a Swift Keewaydin may be similar but am very happy with my Rheaume.

 

[dutchlennart]

From mad river the malecite is the obvious flatwater choice. For rivers the exlporer is more suitable. The legend is also tempting for rougher moving waters.

Mad river quest is also good for flatwater
Some options that are not Mentioned yet;
Beĺl/Swift starfire
Swift/diy kipawa mattawa
Swift / silverbirch quetico 15