I have padddled canoes in the past in the BWCA and would like to try use one of my kayaks for this May's 5 day trip. Which would you use?

Old town sport Xwave; 13 feet long, 57 pounds, holds 300 lbs of gear, sealed front and back hatches.

perception Aqua Terra Chinook: 16 feet long, 57 pounds, holds 425 pounds of gear, sealed front and back hatches, rudder.

Both weigh the same, but with the Chinook I get a LOT more storage space, however it is longer.

I am working on a portage system involving a backpack frame and oar locks to portage the kayaks with.

Basically my question is: with kayaks, would you go longer in a more touring boat, or shorter in a more rec boat?

My Xwave is all ready set up for fishing with dual rod holders, paddle holders, etc. I plan to do the same for the Chinook.

I'm not a kayaker, but a longer boat generally goes faster and straighter than a shorter boat. If I were traveling mostly on lakes I'd take the Chinook; if mostly on small rivers the Xwave.

I took a Perception America 11' out solo onto the numbered lakes the first trip out and all went well. The front and back areas were not sealed, so it was easy to slide pack and bags in and out intact at the portage points. I removed the foam flotation blocks fore and aft and replaced them with inflatable beach balls pushed into the bow and stern. I had more than enough room for a week's trip. I think with sealed bulkheads you've got some packing/repacking to do at the portages. You might need to think ultralight in terms of your gear.

I bought a portage yoke after that trip. That is an absolute necessity for a kayak, otherwise it can be (it was on that trip) a painful experience. The 11'er weighed in at about 48# and is a breeze to portage with the yoke, no fun at all without. Not symmetrical like a canoe.

If you can manage your gear into the smaller boat, I would suggest that just from my experience. Maybe easier to handle on the portages...? I was able to make great time in the perception, and it handled very well in wind and wave (paddled into a couple of nice storms on that trip). I've since gone in a solo canoe, but keep thinking about the kayak. Gets you so much closer to the water, a different feeling.

what portage yoke did you use for your kayak?

quote markaroberts: "with kayaks, would you go longer in a more touring boat, or shorter in a more rec boat?"

I've never paddled a 16 foot yak before, but it'll take less effort to move than the shorter yak, and track easier. Almost everything seems to point to the longer boat. I suppose you can try running around carrying both to see if one is significantly more comfortable to portage than the other.



The only reason I can think of to go with the shorter yak would be if you are doing some river paddling on your route where turning and maneuvering becomes important, since a shorter boat is going to be easier to turn.

You'll be a lot happier in the Chinook. Handles lots of gear and big winds much better.

Bought a universal kayak yoke from Piragis, very expensive, but worth it.

I should mention that we are entering at entry point 30 on Lake one again, paddling to Insula where we will base camp. We did a similiar route last year with canoes. On the return trip the wind had really picked up crossing the main lake and there were white caps. One of the canoes tipped over and we had to pull guys to shore and round up dry bags. After that, I'm not real fond of canoes where you are sitting up high in the winds and white caps.

Without looking at the specs for both boats I would lean towards the longer Chinook as long as you are comfortable fishing out of it. Also I am guessing the cockpit is a little smaller so you will have to be comfortable getting in and out at the portages. You will be on some sort of bigger water and the longer length and rudder will aid you in keeping up with the canoes. If you have a skirt I would bring it incase you get into some rough water, it makes for a more enjoyable and dryer paddle. I would definetly get a portage system figured out and try it before you go. I have taken a kayak up once and the portage system made a world of difference. Just my thoughts. Todd

Either boat will work equally well on the lakes. The longer one will be faster which shouldn't be an issue unless you're in a hurry, and it will be somewhat more awkward on a portage, but again, shouldn't be an issue. Either one should haul enough gear for a 5 day trip, provided you pack with reason. Easy way is not to pack things loose. Use dry bags, and bring along an empty pack to drop them in when you get to a portage.

I'll echo the advice about a portage yoke. The Piragis one will set you back about $80, but I guarantee that if you don't get a yoke, after a portage or two you'll be wishing you would have.

thanks for the tips on the portage yoke. I'll order one next week.