Thoughts on "AMI" for solo trips

[Ezra Smith]

Hi all,

Several years ago I built a 17ft Atkinson traveler that I have used ever since for both solo and tandem trips. After last summer I finally decided that I should build another boat that is a bit smaller, since about 80% of my paddle time is solo and all the weight on portages and freeboard on lakes is less than ideal. Many of these paddles are for the day only, but I try to do at least one 2wk trip a year, which is usually solo.

A guy down the road sold me the form that he used to build a his 15ft Ami. It draws inspiration from the Chesnut Pal, and is "50-55lbs". I am wondering if there is anyone here who has paddled this much and can give me some feedback on it's use in various situations.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Brly]

Ezra,

I haven't paddled an Ami, so can't comment, but I'm in the same boat(!) as far as wanting to build a lightweight solo canoe. I've been looking at the 14-15' boats, currently stuck on Jerry Stelmok's Willow Wisp. If I already had a form for the Ami, I would build it in a heartbeat. You can always build another!
Sorry, no help from me but hopefully someone who has an Ami will chime in.

Ben

 

[Benson Gray]

My experience is that canoes and other small boats feel very personal so you may not like the one that I do and vice versa. I would encourage you to find someone with the canoe you are seeking and take it out for a test paddle to see how it really feels to you. Good luck,

Benson

 

[Brly]

Ezra,
Why not ask the guy down the road that you bought the form from for a test paddle?
Ben

 

[Nick Dennis]

Benson is quite correct. You should find a canoe that suits you; it may not suit someone else. My first venture into wooden canoes was the purchase of a 14' Chestnut Playmate from the 1950's. I had always wanted one and got one and paddled it. But.......... I am no lightweight and the trim was always off and there was more canoe beneath the waterline than above in unequal proportions. I sold it to a friend who weighs as much as my left leg. It suits him and I watch him paddle it far easier than I ever did. I moved on to a 16' Pal which suits me far better and I move it easier than I did in the Playmate.

15' or 16' is still good for a solo. Sometimes smaller is not always the answer. I would always err on the side of a bit extra capacity.

in my case reduction in capacity would be good but that is down to beers and pies.

Good luck in your search.

Nick

 

[Ezra Smith]

I did actually test paddle it, and really liked the experience. I just did not have it weighted with gear for a long trip that's all. as you say Brly, I will just build it and can always do something else afterwards. Maybe I will use the set of finished ribs that I snagged on facebook for $15 .