Foam core in Bell
No foam core in Black Gold merlin II or Yellowstone solo. Shouldn’t be there - Magic is the only BG solo to get a core.
is that paddlesnobster giggling?
– Last Updated: Aug-31-08 3:46 PM EST –
I can already hear it lololol!
I would never reccomend it to everyone as it is clearly a challenge at first, but after a full year I am STILL using the Old Town H2Pro as my all around solo canoe. Why?
It can hold my 6'2" frame and 250lb ass, about 150lbs of gear and my 60lb dog. It can handle SERIOUS whitewater(what it was made for) and twisty creeks. It's a tough thing to learn, but yes, it even glides across flatwater during lake exploring.....it's just not a boat made to travel straight without having proper stroking.
It's heavy and it's a tank.....but those cons do not outweigh the pros, at least for a large paddler.
And you can find one used for about $300 if you are lucky.
Length
– Last Updated: Aug-31-08 2:53 PM EST –
Is the 13' limit a storage/transport constraint, or for maneuverability?
I've got a Bell Morningstar in Royalex(15.5'), and find it very easy to turn, even at my 160 pounds. Part of that is because it's so predictable on edge that it encourages edging and leaning. The tumblehome and freeboard would probably work for a double-blade paddle. Weight's not bad for a Royalex boat. It's similar to the Yellowstone tandem but with a bit less rocker. Both might make fine big-guy solos. You could probably find a used one at your price point.
A good source for canoe outfitting stuff if you need to do a tandem->solo conversion:
http://www.edscanoe.com/
A lot to think about
Kayamedic: When you say “sluggish at 330lbs” are you refering to the Peregrine or another one?
Groovymanatee: I assume that a " hogged Merlin" means it’s no good?
Angstrom: My idea is to keep this canoe as easy to haul as possible. I was thinking no longer than 13ft, but with all of these replies I see now that maybe I need to adjust my thinking. The weight is still very important to me as I have a couple of places that I’ll be going that are very steep up/down hill.
nix the artificial length restriction
– Last Updated: Aug-31-08 8:30 PM EST –
... and post what you want to do with the boat and how much you are willing to spend. You've already posted your weight and that's a good start. Forget the 13 or even 14 foot stuff at your weight unless you've got a damned good reason for such a restriction. Hauling and handling a boat is pretty much the same routine regardless of length. Weight is more important when carrying and handling are concerned. But at 300 plus pounds, you shouldn't have to worry a great deal about boat weight either as long as you keep it around 45 or 50 pounds or less.
I’ll sell you a Wenonah Voyager
within your budget with a Cooke Custom Cover. It is 17.5’ long and will easily handle your weight and much more.It is very fast and is made for lakes , but I have used it on small rivers.
I posted under MerlinII
So its the Merlin that is sluggish…its lively and responsive when at 220 and about 300 just turns from Cinederella to a frog.
I havent had the Peregrine out under a load yet. And the Peregrine came to be because the Merlin II in Kevlite just isnt up to my style tripping.
Which is usually NOT 330 lbs. (I had my dog for that unfortunate trip). I max out at 260 and the Merlin II is just OK at that load point. I have a Swift Heron that is an older and far livelier boat. Its livelier than the Peregrine and I think its faster to boot. Its got a roundish bottom (deep arch) but its nine inches shorter than Peregrine. The speed question still needs to be answered
Bottom line I find Merlin II shape kind of dumbed down in the UL layup. But its quite a pleasure on the 5 km walk in Algonquin (thats over three miles)
Agree
on the Merlin II in ultralight. A nice carry but a real let down paddling. Swift Osprey is a whole lot more fun.
Nothing wrong with your weight wishes!
– Last Updated: Sep-02-08 3:25 AM EST –
osta.doc...think this would be a great boat for you:
Ditto(if mentioned) on Swift's Shearwater
16'2"
36lbs (KevlarFusion)
29" max width @gunwales
*Of course it would be in the used category to be within striking distance of your price envelope...
*Also....bunch of canoes forsale here on paddling.net!
Canoes for sale
I’ve seen all of the classified ads but the problem with that is the fact that they are so far away from me and I would have to buy sight-unseen. Just not sure about that. I’ll take a llok at the one you suggested. Thanks.