The Quetico 17 is a highly regarded canoe model produced by Souris River Canoes, a Canadian manufacturer known for its durable and lightweight composite canoes. This canoe is specifically designed for wilderness tripping, making it a popular choice among paddlers exploring remote regions like Quetico Provincial Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Key Features of the Quetico 17
1. Design and Dimensions
- Length: 17 feet
- Beam (Width): Approximately 35 inches
- Depth: Around 13 inches
- Weight: Typically 42–44 lbs in Kevlar construction
The Quetico 17 is designed with a shallow arch hull, providing a balance between stability, speed, and maneuverability. Its slightly rockered profile allows it to track well in open waters while still being responsive when navigating winding rivers or portages.
2. Material and Construction
- Kevlar Laminate: Most Quetico 17 models are made from Kevlar, a lightweight yet extremely strong composite material.
- Epoxy Resin: The use of epoxy resin enhances durability and impact resistance.
- TuffStuff & Duralite Options: Some models feature TuffStuff or Duralite construction, which provides additional ruggedness and weight reduction.
This combination makes the Quetico 17 highly resistant to damage from rocks, logs, and other obstacles commonly encountered in wilderness settings.
3. Performance on the Water
- Stability: The canoe offers excellent primary and secondary stability, making it suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
- Capacity: It can comfortably carry two paddlers plus gear, with a weight capacity of around 650-700 lbs, making it perfect for extended trips.
- Speed & Efficiency: The design allows for efficient paddling, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel without excessive fatigue.
4. Comfort & Features
- Contoured Seats: Many models come with contoured webbing or padded seats for improved comfort on long trips.
- Ash Yoke for Portaging: A well-balanced ash yoke makes carrying the canoe over portages easier.
- Optional Third Seat: Some configurations allow for a third seat, making it versatile for families or groups.
Why Choose the Quetico 17?
- Ideal for Wilderness Tripping: Perfect for backcountry paddling in remote areas.
- Lightweight & Easy to Portage: The Kevlar construction keeps weight minimal, making portages much easier.
- Versatile & Durable: Performs well in lakes, rivers, and varied water conditions.
- High Weight Capacity: Can handle heavy loads, making it a great choice for multi-day expeditions.
The Souris River Quetico 17 remains one of the best canoes for serious adventurers who need a lightweight, durable, and high-performance canoe for extended wilderness travel.
Aiden Marshall (verified owner) –
Great customer service! Emailing with the lady was so interactive. Thank you Premium Kayaks!
Selena Ray (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery. I’ll recommend you guys 100 times over! Cheers!
Gill Chlowman (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed. Arrived on the expected date. I love the packaging. I will Recommend you guys a hundred times over
Marcus (verified owner) –
We needed a canoe that could handle two adults, a child, and gear for weekend lake trips. PREMIUM-KAYAKS recommended The Quetico 17 and it exceeded our expectations. It’s incredibly stable and still maintains speed and maneuverability. Lightweight enough for solo portaging and built to last. A true investment for any outdoor family.
Amanda T. (verified owner) –
The Quetico 17 is nearly perfect. It’s well-balanced, efficient, and built with premium materials. My only complaint is the factory seats—they’re a bit firm for long days. I added aftermarket pads, and now it’s excellent. Overall, a phenomenal canoe for wilderness travel and recreational use.
Sharon .Maine (verified owner) –
After testing several high-end canoes, the Quetico 17 stood out for its strength-to-weight ratio. I chose the Carbon/Kevlar blend and couldn’t be happier. It’s rugged enough for rough terrain portages but light enough that I can lift it solo. It’s the workhorse I didn’t know I needed until PREMIUM-KAYAKS insisted i try it
Daniel R. (verified owner) –
PREMIUM-KAYAKS made understand What really sets the Quetico 17 apart is how effortlessly it glides across the water, even when loaded with gear for a week-long expedition. It handled rough waters on Lake Agnes without any trouble and the symmetrical hull design offers great control when paddling solo or tandem. The build quality is top-tier. Five stars.
Laura Maxwell (verified owner) –
The Quetico 17 is hands-down the best canoe I’ve owned in my 20+ years of backcountry tripping. It’s incredibly stable even when fully loaded, tracks beautifully, and is remarkably lightweight. We portaged over 20 times in Algonquin last summer, and the Kevlar layup made it a dream. Highly recommended for serious paddlers who prioritize performance and durability. check it out at PREMIUM-KAYAKS