I’d like to plan an extended trip in the 1000 islands region of the St. Lawrence river for next summer, paddling from island to island and camping as I go. I currently have an Old Town Loon 160T which paddles just fine solo, but I find it impossible to get it on and off my car by myself.
I’m trying to figure out what canoe would be enjoyable for me to paddle in the St. Lawrence (big water, often high winds, sometimes choppy) but would be more manageable by myself. I’m healthy and strong but not huge (5’8", 130 lbs). And I want to be able to carry some gear: a comfortable tent, a warm bag, a big pad, a stove, etc.
Is there such a thing as a boat that could handle the conditions in the St. Lawrence and be loaded with gear, but still light enough for me to manage on my own?
Weight, better decking
Swift makes a larger Saranac 15 that will haul the gear of your Loon, offer better decking and be gobs more seaworthy and weighs in at 36 lbs in Kev, 34 in carbon without skeg, which you do not need.
not a canoe, then?
So, what I am looking for is a sea kayak? Is that the right boat for the St. Lawrence? I have this notion, perhaps romantic, that a canoe would be fun to paddle, but I have to admit that I don’t see very many of them up at the river.
The Swift boats look great. Thanks for the tip.
Bell Magic
A Sea Kayak and experience will give you the biggest window of conditions you can paddle in on open water. Sadly I gave mine up as a lack of flexibility makes sitting for too long painful. Fortunately I can kneel in my canoes for hours.
So far the Bell Magic is the best canoe I’ve found for that. It will be lighter than most sea kayaks as well.
a couple more
I agree with Tommy that the Magic would be an excellent choice. It is efficient, will carry a good load, is relatively unaffected by wind, and is comfortable in waves. A couple of others to consider are the Swift Osprey and the Hemlock Kestrel or Peregrine. I’ve paddled all but the Kestrel (on the small side for me) in adverse conditions and was comfortable in all three.
It might be worth adding a spray cover to help a bit when it is windy and to keep the odd bit of water from slopping into the canoe.
OK, Canoes
As you’re compact, try the Hemlock SRT and the Swift Osprey, Kee 15. The Shearwater is way large for you, as is the MRC Guide.
A little hijack
Did you raise the seat in the Magic to be able to kneel? If so, do you still have enough stability for sitting?
No
I didn’t raise mine and I was still able to kneel in it.
love the magic, but
It’s a little out of my price range. I have located one sort of nearby that I might be able to make work, but I have to be careful with the budget. More expensive boat means less time on the river because I have to work to pay for it, you know?
There is a Necky Mantou 13 on craigslist in my area that at 45 pounds might be just manageable for me on my own. Would that be a decent choice, or is it really just a recreational boat that I’m going to want to sell on in the next few years?
Kayak?
Problem with the kayak for camping is that you are very limited as to what you can bring. Forget the cooler, comfy camp chair and big tent. Last year my wife and I were loading our canoe for a 5 day trip in the Adirondacks and watched a group of kayakers at the put-in agonizing over what they had to leave behind and trying every which way to fit certain other items in the hatch. We arrived there after them and were in the water and on our way while they were still scratching their heads. The kayaks were rentals so I’m guessing it might have been a first time for them.
If you pack as of you’re going backpacking then a kayak will work, but one of the reasons I canoe camp is for the added luxuries I can bring along.
Not quite as luxurious as car camping, but not nearly as spartan as backpacking. Of course your style may differ and a kayak might be fine.
useful, thanks
I thought that was probably the case, and now that it looks like there really are canoes that will suit my needs up at the River, I’m going to keep looking for the right canoe. Trouble is I’ll be waiting for a good one to come up used, but I can be patient.
In the meantime, I’m planning a two night trip in my Loon. It’s a tandem so there’s decent room for gear, but it will be interesting to see what can and can’t fit.
Yes
I did raise the seat in mine.
I don’t sit much but it feels fine sitting in calm water.