Savage River Canoe?

[uphill]

Another forum member and I have been looking for expedition canoes. One model that I'm drawn to is the Savage River Canoe (http://www.savageriver.com/savage.htm).

I am looking for a one-person canoe that can deliver cargo carrying capability for a one-week expedition afloat and at the same time, provide handling characteristics to take me through (up to) Class 3 rapids.

Does anyone have any experience with this canoe or other canoes that meet my requirements?

I'd appreciate any feedback you can offer.

[kerry]

I'm not familar with the company or canoe, but I did read the description. For me, the key to the canoe is that it was designed as a downriver whitewater racing canoe. This means it will be quite fast but for my tastes, not manoeverable enough in technical whitewater. I know racers who would be happy paddling the boat in Class III but I like boats that are more manoeverable, particularly when tripping on rivers. I'd probably like it up to Class II.

[uphill]

I'm not familar with the company or canoe, but I did read the description. For me, the key to the canoe is that it was designed as a downriver whitewater racing canoe. This means it will be quite fast but for my tastes, not manoeverable enough in technical whitewater. I know racers who would be happy paddling the boat in Class III but I like boats that are more manoeverable, particularly when tripping on rivers. I'd probably like it up to Class II.

Thanks for checking it out and responding.

With large selections out there and an inability to actually test paddle a lot of them, I hate to rely on the manufacturer's advertising to justify a purchase. Living in Southern California (not a paddling mecca for canoes - more for ocean kayaks) makes personal testing more difficult.

[Ursa Minor]

Canoes are scarce in SoCal...but check out Southwind Kayaks in Irvine or Aqua-Adventures in San Diego, they carry canoes and may have them in their demo fleet. To try before you buy, you'll have to look for "demo-day" paddling events if you want a variety to test as that's when manufacturers have their full lines available. There's also a small garage shop in Santa Monica who deals in canoes, but I can't recall the name.

The other option is to rent for your trip from a local outfitter, since most good rivers will have at least one nearby.

I have never seen a Savage River canoe, look quite nice but shipping will be expensive to get it to the west coast. If you are paddling solo, a 16' canoe seems pretty big for a one week trip, you could easily do 2 people for a couple weeks in one. A smaller one will be better for those rapids and easier to portage too...

cheers
John