Canoe design advice needed.

[alteran]

Has anyone here built the "Solo Portage" canoe from Laughing Loon?

http://www.laughingloon.com/solo.port.html

I'm thinking of building it as a tandem. This canoe would be a flat water, placid river, sunday afternoon with a sixpack and two sandwiches boat.

Anyone built and paddled one? Impressions?

[ 01-03-2005, 12:30 AM: Message edited by: alteran ]

[hoz]

Though I haven't built the Solo Portage I have built a few others. I'd think that design is too small in width, length and freeboard to be used tandem.

I would consider 15'6" with a 33-36" beam to be minimum for tandem paddling.

[Doug Canada]

May find more options here;
http://www.greenval.com/
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/
Doug

[Andreas Jordahl Rhude]

If you haven't already, look at the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association website: www.wcha.org (http://www.wcha.org)

[htom]

Too small for two. (Well, if you're both 98 pounds it could work.)

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

Alteran,
Judgements about canoes suitability for a given use get pretty subjective. In the world of canoes the abilities of the person gripping the paddle are a big part of how things work out on the water.
If you want a boat that will accept two people sitting high, like the guy in the picture, you will need something with a longer length and a much broader bottom. And if the two people are inexperienced a broader bottom yet. Experience even determines how high the seats should be. Neophytes are much better off with their backsides very close to the bottom for stability.
A longer waterline will also give you more glide for a given effort.
I paddle a 14'x 30" solo canoe and it is slow. I was even outrun by a 19' Grumman squareback paddled by an inexperienced middle aged couple.
Charlie

[alteran]

Thanks all for the good advice. I had the plans laid out ready to go for a modified Freedom 17 and then I ran across this Solo Portage and thought I might build it instead. I just really liked the looks. After further thought and your comments I'll go back to the 17. As in some other aspects of life the prettiest choice isn't always the most practicle.
I'mm going to give this boat away and the recipients will be happier with a larger, more verstile canoe. I think they will anyway, they don't yet know they are getting it.

Thanks again... Al.

And for Chuck, "I was even outrun by a 19' Grumman squareback paddled by an inexperienced middle aged couple.".... that must have been a little embarassing. smile.gif smile.gif

What is your solo?

[ 01-03-2005, 01:23 PM: Message edited by: alteran ]

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

Originally posted by alteran: they don't yet know they are getting it yet. Thank you so much Al, I'm so grateful that you were thinking of us! We can't wait!!! :D

[alteran]

Now that you've spoiled the surprise I've decided to keep it for myself. HA!
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Its a gift for my son and his wife when they return to the states. Might be next year but more likely many years. He is back and forth between Ubechistan and Afghanistan now, shes in Alaska.