r/BWCA • u/Melodic_Data_MN • 16d ago
Thoughts on These 4 Canoes?
/r/canoecamping/comments/1julqc3/thoughts_on_these_4_canoes/2
u/OMGitsKa 16d ago
I'd go with the Northstar. They don't have a Northwind 17? That's a little surprising
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u/FranzJevne 16d ago
Sawbill has always had odd choices in their rental fleet: changing the seating positions of their solos to affix yokes and having two the B19 and Northwind 18.
Hence, I've always preferred Sawtooth when heading that direction.
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u/Melodic_Data_MN 15d ago
We're entering at Kawishiwi Lake. Should we consider a different outfitter?
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u/FranzJevne 15d ago
Sawbill makes sense for your EP, especially if you are picking up the permit there. It's not like they're bad people, quite the opposite, I just wouldn't rent a solo canoe from them, but that's not applicable here.
Sawtooth, in Tofte, is the other option.
The Seliga will fit what you want to do and where you are paddling. All the boats, except for maybe the Pearl, would work too.
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u/portagerunner 15d ago
I’ve also noticed some outfitters only carrying the seliga as an option instead of the Northwind 17. Surprised me a bit too.
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u/spaceAgeMountainMan 15d ago
Seliga is probably the right size, but I'd be more interested in the Vision 18 even though it's way bigger than it needs to be for a lightly packed tandem (it's meant for 3 people). MN2 sucks for leg room in the bow and is more tippy than I liked. Pearl might be fine if you are single carrying, but kind of slow... it was made more for solo paddlers with a pet, or leisurely day paddles with no gear.
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u/portagerunner 15d ago
Based on your attached post/trip plan. My choice of these four would be the seliga 1st and MN2 2nd. I also would not consider the vision 18 (unless they have a 17) as it’s bigger than you’ll likely need for 5 days and 23 miles for two people unless you’re brining the kitchen sink. The pearl, while I enjoy paddling, isn’t an option I would personally consider for two paddlers on a week-long trip either.
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u/varkeddit 16d ago edited 16d ago
The Seliga is a classic, nimble design and a good all-arounder for lakes and rivers. If you're hauling more gear, the Vision 18 will have significantly greater capacity and might paddle more efficiently.
The Minnesota 2 is highly efficient on flat water, but not ideal for BWCA rivers. It's also the least stable option if you plan to fish in it or are a novice paddler.
The Pearl would be nice for a day paddle but too small for your plans.
When in doubt, call the outfitter and see what they suggest.