Canoe vs 'Toon.....

WiskeyJaR · 01-22-2008, 08:10 AM

((Posted here hoping for answers

))

am looking to get me either a smaller canoe or smaller 'toon. Seeking advice on which way to go.

I do have a large dog 55+ lbs, 26" tall, that would be going with me. I plan on using it mainly on the local rivers and resivours around SweetHome, but other rivers, ponds, lakes a plus.

I currently have a 17ft canoe, works great with 2 people, but need one smaller for just me and dog. How much does the 'toons actually get blown around in wind? Is it doable to have a dog anywheres on a 'toon going down any river, say the south santiam river...from dam to lebanon? Never used a 'toon before, but have run that strech in canoe.

am a cheap buzzard, just have 250 to spend on either one. What do folks suggest?

Thanks
WiskeyJaR

Got One! · 01-22-2008, 08:26 AM

Dogs probably wont work with a toon, unless you got a big one....$1000++ even then, there are no sides to it, and some stuff I've been through on the Santiam would fling fido right off. Thats the only downside to the toon as I see it, no best friend with you. (although on the wateready site I saw what appeared to be Jennie and pooch on a mid-sized one http://www.waterready.com/gallery/pages/P2150042.htm) still $$$

WiskeyJaR · 01-22-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got One!

Dogs probably wont work with a toon, unless you got a big one....$1000++ even then, there are no sides to it, and some stuff I've been through on the Santiam would fling fido right off. Thats the only downside to the toon as I see it, no best friend with you. (although on the wateready site I saw what appeared to be Jennie and pooch on a mid-sized one http://www.waterready.com/gallery/pages/P2150042.htm) still $$$

Nice picture....how did you friend enjoy the ride Jennie?

JustSteve · 01-22-2008, 10:22 PM

A handy guy with a bit of time could easily build a platform on a 'toon to hold a pooch. Downside, is the cost. The size/weight of the dog, plus you, plus gear puts you into the bigger sized boat, which drives the cost up. I call 'toons Catarafts, but I'm coming from a whitewater rafting/kayaking/canoing background.

A canoe is a mixed bag. You can carry the world in one, especially a 17 foot boat. I don't know the stretch of water that you're looking at, but if it's swift or has rapids, I hope you have a pretty good idea of what you're doing. Catching a rock midship and wrapping your boat around it will really put a damper on your day. I have paddled open canoes down class III/IV whitewater, but those boats have a rocker (curved hull) made to turn fast and I put airbags in the boat to displace the water that may splash in. Whole different creature than a nice lake touring boat. You say you have some experience with a canoe, so I may just be spinning my wheels.

A canoe is faster. Faster from the car to the water ready to go, faster to travel across the water, heads up against a current much quicker/easier than a pontoon boat. Wind on either sucks.

250 bucks isn't much of a budget, but if I had to chose, I'd go canoe. I'd rig a couple of knee cups on the floor so when I get to tricky sections of the river I can kneel on the floor, dropping my center of gravity. The knee cups allow me to use body weight to get the boat to lean one way or the other, helping direct it's travel.

but that's just me

Steve

dubl_t · 01-23-2008, 05:57 AM

whatabout a drift pram? I loved the one I had (perfect for "2"), only drawback would be the trailer, unless you have an empty p/up.

moknots · 01-23-2008, 02:10 PM

Which one would you rather pull your dog back in to? Could be that there's your answer!

Got One! · 01-24-2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moknots

Which one would you rather pull your dog back in to? Could be that there's your answer!

Heh...that IS a hard call...pop a bladder from him desperately trying to claw back on or tip the canoe leaning over to pull him up.

Blind Bobber · 01-25-2008, 08:22 PM

I have a 13 foor Pelican Navigator canoe which is fine for two people bu I t would dread taking either of my yellow labs along. My canoe has a wide beam of 37 but still tippy. My friend has a pontoon and I really do not like fishing when he brings that thing along. It takes two us us to carry it to the water and it is just a pain to set up and load.
May I suggest a third option? I use a very light Smokercraft 12 foot car top aluminum with oars and or electric trollin motor. I walk it down to the water loaded and simply slip it in and out using my folding canoe cart from Cabela's. Plenty of room compared to the canoe and much more stable than the canoe. Rides nicely on top of our mini van using a THULE rack. I see 20 footers now and then as well. Best of luck.
Blind Bobber

BuKuBass · 01-26-2008, 02:00 PM

I have a canoe (Gheenoe which due to its hard chines, is very stable) and a pontoon (8" x 16" tubes) The 'toon doesn't have enuf capacity to carry the dog. The Gheenoe, weighing 120 pounds, is a hassle to portage. Fortunately I have a sit-on-top kayak, an '03 Drifter (60 pounds, 450 pound capacity) which works well.