C-Forum

Valley Mill Blackwater, designed by Wick Walker for expedition paddling.
I happen to have a nice one.
Bill

I don't know, but I'd suggest you do it. No springback to deform the hull and much easier to install.
Bill

I, too, think 14 days would work. I put a bag in front of me and one behind. I separate food and cooking gear in one bag, and camping equipment in another. I also lash a third bag (smaller) with food for the day and extra dry gear on top to be accessed easily. Weight is a definite consideration if p...

What doesn't work is not lashing your gear in properly. Therefore, you need to install lash points in the canoe and use them to prevent gear from being strewn all over the river if you upset. That being said, in general, less gear is better, and dry gear is essential. I've used Bill's Bags from NRS ...

I, too, have been more or less out of real paddling for 15 years, but I still check the forum regularly and enjoy the posts.
Bill

That's basically what I was suggesting, but with a little chisel work first. The way to do the chisel work is to make a series of shallow vertical cuts along the section you wish to replace (across the grain) and then slice out these pieces with horizontal cuts (along the grain). A bit time consumin...

I think the best way to do this would be to replace the sections of strips that are bad. Just the outer layer. This will involve some time, a chisel, and careful matching of grain for the replacement piece. I would use epoxy glue for this, too.
Are you going to glass the boat over again? I would.
Bill

I used to surf my Blackwater regularly at the North Carolina beaches. Had a big advantage over surfboards in that you could catch waves much further out. This was because you could get up much better hull speed in a boat, even a c-boat. I learned pretty quickly not to let the bow dive, and to side s...

My recollection is that they ran the Lower 5, not the whole run. I may well be wrong, though.
Bill

I've got a Pocket Canyon that is a fine multi-day boat. I've only paddled it solo, but it is a two person boat. If carrying space is a concern, you could consider the Canyon itself.
Bill

In tandem paddling, I think the bow paddler is the boss and the stern paddler is obligated to interpret his or her strokes and act accordingly. The job of the stern is to power the canoe and keep it on course; the job of the bow is to read water and initiate moves.
Bill

Well, I do live outside of Tacoma, WA, and these guys: http://kikaha.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; are in Tacoma. I'll check it out this summer.
Outriggers do look inviting and fun.
Thanks for all the input.
Bill

By the way, Clipper Canoes in Canada is offering a Sea-1: http://www.clippercanoes.com/specialty-boats/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It seems to be similar to the Mad River boat. Has internal flotation. 17'9" long. Pricey. Not sure how it paddles, though.
Bill

Very helpful replies. I have paddled a Jensen C-1 in the Puget Sound and like it. Rough water is a concern with any open canoe. I'll look at your suggestions and keep you posted. The kayak I am paddling (a Seaward Legend) is only 21" wide and 17' long. It's fast and fun. I just miss the single blade...

OB, Great idea; I hadn't thought of those. Indeed, I had very little idea they even existed. So, I took a look. Very interesting boats. The one big drawback is that I live in the Pacific Northwest and all of these are open canoes. I have cold water to contend with, nice warm Hawaiian waves. But I'll...