I am on the hunt for a solo canoe that I can use ~5 day trips in BW and something that I can run down rivers. I have run rivers and lakes on kayaks, and now I want to expand my fleet for BW trips.

I found a used Old town guide canoe 14’. Aside for it being heavy, would this be reasonable? It has two seats, so would I want a drop in seat in a different location?

This will get many opinions. Be prepared to do some research. I have a Wenonah Wilderness in the tuf-weave because I like run rivers too. Cracked the gel coat several times but it holds up to rocks about as well as a I could ask out of a 43lb composite.

I have an Old Town Guide 147 that I've used solo by sitting backwards in the front seat. It's short and wide, which makes it very stable for a solo boat, but also pretty slow. I find it's a bit of a handful in the wind. At 74 lbs empty, it's not very pleasant to portage.

I have a Bell Magic solo used in both the BWCA and on the St. Croix river. Works well for me.

Yes you will get many opinions. I have used my Bell Magic UL on numerous rivers, St Croix, Upper Iowa, Blue Earth, Yahara, Wisconsin, Black River, Kinicinic, etc. No I don't want to be running "rock gardens" with it but it is certainly capable of doing rivers and makes a wonderful BWCAW boat. To me the key would be knowing your abilities to handle whatever boat you choose and how to read the water.

ZIMTLSA: "Yes you will get many opinions. I have used my Bell Magic UL on numerous rivers, St Croix, Upper Iowa, Blue Earth, Yahara, Wisconsin, Black River, Kinicinic, etc. No I don't want to be running "rock gardens" with it but it is certainly capable of doing rivers and makes a wonderful BWCAW boat. To me the key would be knowing your abilities to handle whatever boat you choose and how to read the water."

Have you used the Bell on the upper part of the St. Croix between the Namekogen and Grantsburg? I have only paddled the part from Grantsburg to St. Croix Falls with my UL Solo because I was nervous about rapids/rocks on the northern part. Are my concerns unfounded?

I have not paddled that section with the Magic but I have paddled that section a couple of other times in tandems. One was royalex and the other a UL aluminum. As I am sure you know, water levels make a big difference on that section and for that matter most any other river.

I have a royalex Wenonah Vagabond. Not for everyone as it is on the smaller end even for solo canoes at 14'6". But it turns on a dime and I have brought it many times into the BWCA/Quetico and numerous rivers including the St. Croix and Namekagon.

Have you considered a Northstar Northwind solo in the IXP layup? I have a Phoenix in IXP that is awesome on rivers. It paddles well on flat water, but there are more efficient boats for that purpose. The Northwind in IXP would probably be a nice compromise between flat water efficiency and durability/maneuverability for rivers.

jhb8426: "I have a Bell Magic solo used in both the BWCA and on the St. Croix river. Works well for me."

Same! I love my mine. It ages like the finest of wines. I don't run anything beyond a class 1 with the bell, of course and if you're on the lower part of the St. Croix river or in the BWCA, that's just fine. I also came into a Blackhawk 15'8'' gelcoat composite that is a joy to paddle as well, but it's a little less "outfitted" than my bell.

I wouldn't want anything under 14' if you went with a river runner, but that's just my preference. I've got long legs and appreciate the added space for those that are using kayaks on our river trips.

TCJET: "Have you considered a Northstar Northwind solo in the IXP layup? I have a Phoenix in IXP that is awesome on rivers. It paddles well on flat water, but there are more efficient boats for that purpose. The Northwind in IXP would probably be a nice compromise between flat water efficiency and durability/maneuverability for rivers. "

If you've got the dough, that Phoenix in IXP is a pretty sweet canoe. Filed away for future consideration.

wxce1260: "Have you used the Bell on the upper part of the St. Croix between the Namekogen and Grantsburg? I have only paddled the part from Grantsburg to St. Croix Falls with my UL Solo because I was nervous about rapids/rocks on the northern part. Are my concerns unfounded?"

I've never paddled in the Namekogen and Grantsburg area. It always looks low and rocky every time I cross there. I've been on the St. Croix about 3-4 miles or so above the dam at St. Croix Falls. That's more of a big lake. I don't care for that stretch due to the number of bigger motor boats there. Much prefer the section from Interstate Park to Marine. Have never been south of the High Bridge.

I think it depends a lot on exactly what kind of river running you have in mind, but I have a nova craft fox for sale on here that fits well in the role you're describing though it leans more towards lake tripping and easier river routes. I wouldn't want to take it down a bony river or any serious whitewater. Class 1 you'd be fine, class 2 would be pushing what I'd be comfortable doing in it.

It excels at BW tripping. Nice and light on the portages, carries a week worth of gear with room to spare (actually paddles more pleasantly with a good load).

I bought it to use on the Brule River where I live in Wisconsin but the Brule can be very bony and I just can't bring myself to beat it up on that river when I have royalex canoes to use in its stead. I'm also looking for something that can handle class 2+ with more confidence which is why I'm selling it.