Looking for feed back on Square back canoes

[gotmuddy]

22 minutes ago, Alex Chang said:

Yea, I often do multiple nights on the river with two people, the camp kitchen, cooler, fishing gear, camping gear, the whole nine. My current 16ft tandem (which is more of a touring boat) is maxed out with our current load; it's becomes harder to maneuver and we end up having to stack gear vertically, which makes things tippy. Don't get me wrong, what I have works and has put me and my fishing partners on a lot of water and fish, but the extra capacity of the Esquif would make that experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

Plus, I'm also thinking long term, like a more family friendly boat. With the Esquif, I can take my wife and dog with all the gear on overnighters, or my wife and future kids on a day float (two parents and two small children on the Esquif looks very doable). Plus the motor will be clutch (trying to coordinate canoe strokes with two small children on the boat seems impossible).

Appreciate the feedback.

Sounds like you have it planned out.  I have a nucanoe classic that is 12ft, and I intend to take my son on a two day float next year.

[Terrierman]

12 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

A 1648 needs a 20hp at the minimum.  The old Evinrude 18hp motors are a great matchup for river use.    This one was a 1542 with a restored 1968 18hp.   Had some great times with her 🤗 

I made out like a bandit when I sold that motor too.   She was a real sweetheart.   Still is I bet. 🙂 

She'll still be pushing a boat when the new 4-stroke you bought yesterday is long gone.  👍

10 HP is max on MDC areas.  I used mine to get to duck blinds back when that was a big part of my life.  Mine was a 9.9 Evinrude.

[grizwilson]

51 minutes ago, Alex Chang said:

That looks interesting for sure! What has been your experience been with raft durability?

As much as I would like an inflatable solo, I'm more in the market for a larger vessel that can fit two people minimum. I'm thinking more long term, like a nice family boat where I can take my wife and dog on an overnighter, or my wife and small children on a day float.

Raft durability, well its the same material that floats 10-12 people down whitewater with larger rollers haystacks and rocks, so most ozark streams no contest.  Now a disclaimer, I have not ran or been in one of the following, but might be a fit for what you are wanting:

(1) Best Boat for Freshwater and River Fishing - Takacat 340 LX Inflatable - Bing video

Takacat LX Series | An Inflatable Boat That Fits in a Bag (takacatamericas.com)

no idea of draft etc.  for the record the AquaGlide Blackfoot is rated for two people, while I have the two seats it has always been solo.  Another for the record, having floated for 60 years, I have seen many couples fights on the river, might suggest two solo boats?  My advice to engaged people is to spend at least two days and an overnight canoe trip, if you survive that your good to go....been married 42 years so far...

[grizwilson]

add on overnighters I usually solo the 17' Tripper canoe with the camp up front, so not to stack so high. Ladybear, Griz Jr. and BabyBear solo yaks or canoes with light loads.  Not as fun for me, but enjoy having the tribe together.

@gotmuddy does that thing have room for your dance floor?

[gotmuddy]

10 minutes ago, grizwilson said:

add on overnighters I usually solo the 17' Tripper canoe with the camp up front, so not to stack so high. Ladybear, Griz Jr. and BabyBear solo yaks or canoes with light loads.  Not as fun for me, but enjoy having the tribe together.

@gotmuddy does that thing have room for your dance floor?

absolutely!

[Gavin]

I thought Old Town had a 20' tandem model years ago, the Camper XL or something like that. Might look into that.

 

 

[Alex Chang]

@Gavin and @grizwilson - the idea of a paddle jon is starting to intrigue me. When you both first mentioned it, I thought you were referring to the ordinary jon boats you see on lower stretches of river, often times putting canoes on the river at risk with their waves as they zip by,  but I've learned the paddle jon is something different, and from the looks of one, way more special than an ordinary jon boat.

There doesn't seem to be manufactures selling paddle jons. How much does one cost? Can you paddle paddle a PJ with a normal canoe paddle? Or do you need oars? What size outboard can you put on a paddle jon?

[grizwilson]

https://m.facebook.com/blazerRCM/posts/paddle-jon-perfect-for-floating-and-fishing-they-come-in-a-32-or-35-bottom-width/2652538041652983/

@Alex Chang not sure on cost. @LittleRedFishermanIs familiar with those folks. Sure Joe Troutt and sons at St. James or Fred at current river marine could give you a price. Would suggest 32” for paddling had a 36 it was great float but pain to paddle  

I have the motor off set to my left side use my canoe paddle. Have a seat off set in front to left to balance weight. I use 4 or 5 hp or trolling motor. If you look can find good two strokes bulletproof and lighter. Can send pics when I get home next week. 

[grizwilson]

Mine is a 17’ now you have me jonesing for a 20’. You would be surprised how many of the big time pros float our rivers in these rigs with a trolling motor for fun fishing. 

One thing to add as you noted they are different. They float great but will not plane out. Full motor will push nose up due to the design. 

[Gavin]

Yes a paddle Jon won’t plane. Had mine out Friday. Works really well with a 55lb thrust trolling motor. You really need two people working in tandem to paddle one with canoe paddles on a narrow river. No worries on mid sized water. Have taken mine down the upper current solo, but a canoe is a better choice for Baptist to Welch, or the Upper Jacks. There is no perfect do all small boat. Buy a used one, try it, if you like it keep it, if not sell it.