Frank Sinatra wrote:
Al Baars does make the most sense. I was thinking for a bit about getting a w/c for tripping. I am backing away from that at the moment.
Yes, why don't I just get another Penobscot. We did get quite good at turning that straight, symetrical hull in the rapids and are very confidant of it's abilities. But, it is difficult to turn and it is not so great on flatwater. WIth a fairly low bow and stern, waves would come in to the boat whenever they felt like it. Even with a spray skirt, enough water would come up over the bow that enough snuck in under the skirt to make me a bit uncomfortable.
A canoe with a bit more upsweep of the bow and a bit more rocker to make turning a little easier is what I am looking for at this point.
And let's face it, after driving a Ford for 15 years maybe it is time to start looking at what BMW can offer me. I may just want a change.
D.R. Zandee has made up a great list. That just about covers the options. The Bell Northwind will now be available in kevlar and various fibreglass lay-ups. These will be at the original 17'. The royalex lay-up has been reconfigured up to 17' and will now be called the Alaskan. Up until now the Northwind in royalex was at 16.6', I believe to reduce oil canning. The Alaskan is a new boat and that is what I will be testing next month.
I.
The Old Town Tripper will meet your dual-use requirements very well. It turns much better than the Penobscot and it's very dry. Pretty good speed on big lakes into 20 mph winds and crashing through white caps. We've used ours on the upper (starting at Dog Lake)+ lower Missinaibi and on the big lakes and rapids of Wabakimi. Though the Penobscot is supposed to be faster, we've outrun a much younger couple in one during a friendly 2 or 3 mile race with packs.
The wood gunnels make picking up the approx. 78 lbs easier because of the better grip. If you use the Bill Mason lift, getting it on the shoulders is quite easy. With a tump line, I have no problem carrying it 3/4 mile before putting it down.
The boat is very tough and forgiving of rock encounters.
Al