Merlin on big lakes?
Posted by: TommyC1
on Feb-12-13 12:15 PM (EST)
I'm going to go the other way and assume that the Black Gold layup is tough enough. You will want to portage around the more difficult rapids in any case.
But you really can't portage around Champlain, Memphramagog, Moosehead, Chesuncook, Richardson or Mooselucmaguntic.
My Osprey has been wonderful on the NFCT rivers I've done. But it was not so great on Chesuncook. Tailwinds are it's downfall. OTOH My Magic crossed Champlain and Memphramagog quite nicely.
I am a section paddler so I bring the boat most suited to the section.
If I was to through paddle the NFCT the big lakes would weigh more on my boat choice than the rapids.