Canoe Ponderings by Red Rock Wilderness StoreCanoe Ponderings by Red Rock Wilderness Store
Quetico 17 vs. Quetico 18.5
Q.Hi,
Thank you,
Jennie
You're OK, the dog's OK, but the husband needs to lose 10 lbs. :-P
You could use a Quetico 17 and it would haul you all OK as far as payload is concerned. Big honkin' dog though, so if Fido likes to bounce around, you might consider increasing your paddling stability with a Quetico 18.5. Here's the dilemma. If Fido departs this world anytime soon and his replacement is a miniature schnauzer, the Q-18.5 is going to be a big canoe for the three of you especially in a wind. Now, since it's a big canoe, and assuming that you, Jennie, are in the front of the canoe, you could feel free to pack on the pounds to get to a canoe-trimming body weight of about 250 lbs. My experience has shown me that most women are not "on board" with gaining double their present weight to trim out a canoe and chances are good that you'll always be about 1/2 of your husband's weight especially if you paddle a canoe a lot. A good way to get around this is to use a dry bag filled with water up front with you to add some ballast. This will level out the canoe and reduce wind from blowing the bow around in the event that the dog is not going along for the ride.
So, I need to know if Rover has ever been in a canoe and if he is a docile dog who lays around and watches the scenery go by. If so, the Quetico 17 would do a fine job from a payload standpoint. Advantages to a Q-17 over the Q-18.5 would include smaller size and lighter carrying weight. Disadvantages of the Q-17 would be a bit less space for hauling extra junk. The Q-18.5 is often used as a three person canoe and able to haul three 200 lb. guys and 7 days worth of camping gear. It is more stable than the 17 and has bigger payload compartments. Disadvantages are that with a light load on board, the wind can take it for a less than controlled, but still survivable ride.
Hope this helps you out.
Joe
Red Rock