Been looking at touring canoes for the family. I like Old Town Discovery 169/174. Does anyone have any recommendations? I would like to be able to camp overnight with dog and 2-3 kids, plus light gear.
Kevlar ultra light in 20 or 23 feet. If you are going with three kids and a dog you are going to need two 17'ers or one 23'er. We-No-Nah, Bell, Mad River and more make them as well as other mfgr's. You can carry the ship and the kids can carry the gear. Get the "bent" paddles, makes life much easier. On a side note, I worked for a marina on Lake Michigan for a few years and the worst vacation I ever saw was a family of four with a St. Bernard on a 21' cutty cabin sail boat. Man they hated each other! Look under "speciality" canoes on the http://www.wenonah.com/ sight. They have a 20' and a 23' for as many people as you mentioned.$$$$$ Kevlar is the only way to go or you will need all 4 people + the dog to carry it. The Minnesota 4 is right up your alley. Good luck.
The 23' is rather large for sure. I like the idea of two canoes. The kids are little, and cannot paddle yet, so one will suffice for now. I ordered a catalog. I like the kevlar for sure. Loading a canoe that is 70 pounds by yourself is not fun. Trust me, I know!
Kevlar is great because you can strap on your pack and lift the canoe with one hand and lift it over your head. Makes a huge difference on longer portages. I have an 17' ballanced perfect with a full Nalgine water bottle straped to the front seal and I can rest the canoe on my shoulders and walk with my arms down. If I need to lower the bow I just lean forward a couple inches and the canoe dips so to level it out. Makes it easy on the arms not having to have them over your head for a long walk.
I use an 18' cedar strip built. It handles 2 adults and TWO children with a small amount of gear. Much smaller would not be practical for a family, IMO.
M
Edit - I originally said 4 children. Nope - two is abot it. Sorry for the typo. - M
