Scouter wrote:

After years of flat and easy downriver canoeing in my Old Town
Discovery 164, I'd like to pick up a second boat that would be used
primariy solo on moderate western whitewater (Class 1-II with occasion
Class III). A local shop is selling a new Probe 14 for $700 without
seats, etc but I'm wondering if this represents too much of a playboat
for my needs.
Ideally, I'm looking for:
- lower weight (for solo loading on my full-sized van)
- dry and manueverable
- sufficient bouyancy for a 6',200lb solo paddler with weekend camping
gear
- sufficient size for an occasional youth tandem configuration (I'm a
Scout paddle trip leader)

Any advice cheerfully accepted.

Bill



my 1st choice for your situation would be an Old Town regular Tripper
17'2" which is just one size down from the prime workhorse of northern
New England outfitters, the XL-Tripper (20'). There are many hairs that
one could split. But beating the XL-20 is not easily done on paper on on
water - especially quick water; the smaller version is fine in many
respects but still the full-sized Tripper is beyond compare. (I have no
ties w/ Old Town other than ownership.) I've had many canoes & the XL-20
is The King. It will haul 1700# in all but the very worst conditions;
under a light load it's like a cockle shell. Except for specialty
situations - read here the mindless jerks who need a series of jerks to
know thy've been canoeing - I can think of no sturdier a workhorse
that's responsive to one paddler or two (or even two pollers if you know
what that's about).

Pete Hilton (Reg. Me. Guide) aka The Ent

--
Either everyone has rights or some have privileges.
It's really that simple.
Walt Kelly