Inexperienced bow paddler, 6'3",300 lb. stern 6'1" 260, double portage base camp on and through Crooked. Fishing with counterweight to rear. Main concerns: Safety and foot room for bow paddler (#14 shoe). 3 choices: SR 18.5 , B Northwoods, W Champlain. Preference for scenario? Thanks again, oth

All 3 will be great boats for you. I guess I would rank them Bell,SR then Wenonah. This is considering bow foot room,stability and turning ease. Would be nice to paddle each first.
CB

I have paddled the SR 18.5.....It can handle the load, and is steady as a rock, foot room is OK but not roomy.

We have used the SR 18.5 and were pleased with it. Bow paddler 6' 250 and Stern paddler 6'2 225lbs. I can't speak for the other options.

quote fishguts: "I have paddled the SR 18.5.....It can handle the load, and is steady as a rock, foot room is OK but not roomy."

That's my boat. Agree. Bow NOT roomy, but better than some, adequate - don't wear enormous boots. Can't say about other boats.

You might take two of any one of those canoes! Are you buying or renting? I suppose that you could move the front seat back for more leg room if you owned the canoe.

Two?? :)

When I made my purchase for a new canoe, I reserved a Bell Northwind from Piragis. Got up there and they gave me a Northwoods. I thought, "This is a big canoe." But after loading it, paddling it, carrying it, and all, it seemed to be the best boat for me. With my wife, dog, and two nice size Duluth Packs, and a day bag, it was the perfect size giving lot's of stability which helps with my wife, and very roomy, which helps everyone, including Lucy our dog. She has a spot to lay while were paddling...And it paddled excellently!

My SR 18.5 has a sliding bow seat which allows a little more room in the front. However a problem I have had is the bow paddler scooting closer to the front and really pushing their feet into the sealed compartment, causing part of it to become unlaminated, which I repaired with epoxy and it is fine now.

Bruce

With those size guys (me too!) I would take the Champlain hands down.



humm?

I think you'll be happy with any one of the three, so I don't think you can make a bad choice. However, I'd lean towards the Champlain. My two cents.

My choice would be and was a Souris River Quetico 18.5. I am 6'3'' and 200 pounds and it holds me. It is the most stable kevlar I have paddled and holds the most gear. It is an excellent fishing platform. My friend bought a Northwoods last year and that canoe is also excellent. But for me it would be a Souris River 18.5.