@TomL said:
How about a tandem Poke Boat for Jen?
https://pokeboat.com/the-vagabond
I was thinking that a large decked canoe (which is what I consider the Poke boat to be) should be an option. I would have suggested a 15’-ish Prospector style canoe from Wenonah, Swift, Nova
Craft, or others, because with the right technique it can be paddled solo and it would be very stable. But for one issue…
I see myself on bigger lakes, small ponds and smaller rivers.
Wind on bigger lakes would make the Prospector a no-fun handful, especially when solo - although adding ballast can help.
A tandem decked canoe (aka recreational kayak) might be better for lakes and ponds, but will be a handful on smaller rivers with tight turns.
I know a few people who bring dogs with them when paddling. Some with canoes, some with rec kayaks, and some with SUP. The only ones who bring more than one dog have small dogs (under 30 lbs). The ones with medium or large dogs all have one thing in common. Those dogs stay where they’re told to stay.
I bring the dog sometimes, but have only done so when tandem in a 16’ canoe. If I we’re to bring her when solo (medium size ~40 lbs), I would sit on the bow seat facing stern, position the dog just ahead of the yoke, and add some ballast ahead of her to trim the boat and increase stability.
I wouldn’t put my fairly obedient 40 lb dog in either of my 14.5’ solo canoes with me, unless I was on the calmest of water and staying near shore. Even in the MR Guide, which is very stable by my standards. it would be very distracting, at best.