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I want a solo canoe for fishing high mountain lakes in Montana. It needs to be light for carrying on the trail to the lakes, sometimes over 2 miles. Also stability is important as I am a fly fisherman so casting is not a single motion like spin fishing. Considering the Sassafras 12 (26 pounds) or the Nymph 12 (25 pounds). Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome. I am interested in build difficulty/problems, stability, paddling ease, speed (not as important), and comfort. I am 6'2", 200 pounds and have a fair amount of experience canoeing and kayaking calm rivers as well as some white water.
4 replies:
RE: Sassafras vs. Nymph
Dave,
Thanks for the suggestion regarding a SOF option and the website. Definitely something to consider given a possible 10 pound, or more, reduction in weight.
Dale
RE: Sassafras vs. Nymph
I have the sassafras 12 and it is very light and easy to carry. We put in the kayak seating instead of the canoe format but it was a good building, and is very light weight.
RE: Sassafras vs. Nymph
» Submitted by Dave Gentry - Thu, 11/10/11 » 9:26 AM
Obviously I'm biased, but - personally - if I had to carry it a couple of miles, I would definitely prefer a skin-on-frame boat . . . SOF canoes can be very light indeed.
I've made a few, and you can also find some other well tested designs (still available) from the late Platt Monfort: GABoats.com
I can't answer most of your original questions, except to say that neither are going to be particularly stable for a 6'2" guy doing a lot of fly casting. You might consider a recreational kayak, instead, as they are typically much wider at that length, and you'll basically be sitting on the floor in a solo canoe, anyway.
As for building, the Sassafras will go together much quicker, with a lot less noxious sanding, than the Nymph. Strip building is time consuming, fiddly, messy and labor intensive. It sure does make for some pretty boats, though!
Good luck!
Dave Gentry