Wrong Boat

[Black_Fly]

I've had this thought bouncing around in my head - what would happen if I took my NS Phoenix on a trip to lake country instead of my beloved Wenona Prism? I used a rented Bell Magic once on a family trip once, and keeping up was an issue. This would be a solo trip, however.

 

[Jatfomike]

I've used my Phoenix up there twice.....It's not as fast as a Magic or Prism, but will absolutely haul a load......sheds waves extremely well.....The only issue I encountered was a little weathervaning with a cross wind. The bow sits kind of high.....I slid my pack forward and that helped a bit.....As you know, the boat is extremely responsive and is a lot of fun when you hit those small twisty streams and rock gardens! My last trip up there, I encountered another guy in a Phoenix and we had a long chat about our boats and he really enjoyed paddling his up there as well.....Was it designed with big open water in mind?....No.....but it will certainly work. How much heavier is your Phoenix over your Prism? Are you going to be crossing some gnarly portages? You might take that into consideration....

Mike

 

[PaddlingPitt]

I don’t know those boats, so can’t offer any firsthand advice. My first reaction, though, is why would you leave a “beloved” boat home. If it were me, on a solo trip, I would take the boat that gave me the most all-round pleasure. Pleasure sitting in it. Pleasure paddling it. Pleasure just admiring it. Pleasure just knowing that it has joined me on this trip.