Aluminum plates are strategically laminated into the hull. wenonah canoe; price. Sign up. If you're looking for a smooth ride this is it. I can tell you that I took some advice from every review below. I personally own a Wilderness in Rx and a Northwind solo in starlite, The two boats have similar specks but are completely different in the water. It needs treating with UV coating otherwise the colour darkens over time, although I like the more mellow colour. Again, I'm only 160 pounds, so your body weight may be more of a factor when adding gear. This boat is designed to be equipped with a small two-to-three-horsepower motor. Along with it's inherent stabillity it has the ability handle waves without any problem, in fact waves are fun in this boat, you don't feel like you are about to go over at any time and in big power boat wakes that is very re-assuring. But if you want a stable, predictable boat you can "cover ground" in and carry a week's or more worth of gear, laughing at the waves, give 'er a try. (probably added 4 ounces and $10. It is a little slow to respond in a current (won't turn on a dime like my Bell Yellowatone tandem) but the trade off is that it moves faster on flatwater with a double bladed paddle which is what I wanted. T-Formex canoes will tolerate just about whatever you throw at them and are excellent choices if you dont mind the extra weight. As mentioned before, the best way to know if the canoe is a good match is to actually paddle it. I have been paddling canoes just over 50 years, and currently own four canoes made by four different manufacturers The Prism is my only solo canoe out of the four, I own a Kevlar ultra lite layup. I was most impressed with how she rode out waves. More weight might help with the wind problem but I haven't tried that yet. The Prism handles well in rough water and high winds while tracking straight and turning easily. Taken it in and out of the Angleworm portage in the BWCA twice and the canoe carries great. Ultra-light hulls are stiff and incredibly light. I have a Voyager in ultra light kevlar. T-Formex is a stiff, durable material consisting of distinct layers. You may recognize the trademarked name Kevlar, which is an aramid fiber. It is holding up well to the numerous dings and scratches it has earned so far. They can range from $2,000 to over $4,000. Aramid, the fiber used for aerospace, body armor and bulletproof vests, is amazingly light and strong. In the canoe market, Wenonah canoes are comparable to other composite canoes. Seats, footbraces, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates. I did have the outfitter pull out the metal seat brackets which are an abomination and put in conventional 31/2" drops. Just bought Sept. 09. Inspect the hull for deeper cuts that might expose the cloth. It is a highly effective hull design. T-Formex canoes are incredibly tough and very affordable. I took no water over the bow. These models are characterized by their flat bottoms. I use it hard, take care of it, and appreciate it. We also add extra fabric layers to strengthen specific targeted areas. I love the Wenonah company. In between, Wenonah has a range of tripping models using durable T-Formex or lighter composites for one, two or more paddlers. It's not that Wenonah's quality is poor - my canoe has lasted 20 years without a single problem. Sounds like the Wenonah's might fit my style better. Along the way, youll find links to curated lists, specific models and pertinent information. This system integrates their standard accessory rail inside the gunwale for mounting fishing rod holders and other equipment. It is all We-no-nah states in their catalog. $ 3,899.00 $ 2,799.00. It is less twitchy without a load than the Prism and handles trailing waves better because you sit lower in the water, and it's definitely easier to turn against a strong side wind. It also has enough volume for a comfortable week tripping. Today, you'll find a variety of canoe designs available in different materials. The Prism may be better for you if you want it for wildlife viewing and tootling around, carrying gear, etc., but if you want a fast and fun boat the Advantage is much better in my opinion. The composite construction is easily repairable, and the T-Formex is rugged enough that these canoes will last many seasons. Wenonahs Expedition canoes are built for extended trips in wild spaces. Its a good material for building canoes that are easy to carry. I also hope that it reaches the folks at Wenonah, and I would be more than happy to bring both my Prism and new Keewaydin up their headquarters so I could show them what I'm talking about. An initial question would concern OP's stance in the boat: Sit exclusively, hopefully with bent paddle? This is probably the boat to have if you do a lot of extended tripping, but as an over night or extended day paddles, it's great If you are lucky enough to find one, I would not hesitate to buy it. Learn more. The kneeling position is a bit different than with a bench seat - you have to straddle the seat mount and put your feet on the sides of the seat instead of under it. The seat is a little clunky, but it works well. The boat was light to portage. On a positive note about the Prism I don't even blink at 3 foot waves. For extra control, the Fusion has a rudder. I replaced a 1987 Wenonah Jensen C1 with a Wenonah Wilderness. Once youve decided on a model, consider different material options. I've been paddling the Prism for about four years now. The cost of a Wenonah canoe varies by the model, materials and upgrade options chosen for it. We sell their factory second quality canoes, factory demo's and previous year's overstock. These canoes use better materials and incorporate more workmanship and expertise than canoes found on the shelves of big-box stores. T-Formex outperforms single or triple-layer polyethylene plastics as it is stiffer and lighter. Aramid Flexcore has the benefits of aramid with some extra reinforcements. Wenonah 's tripping models quickly became popular in the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, beginning with Circhanowski's original designthe Wenonah 17. I can usually get strokes to side before switching. If you have trouble getting this canoe to turn try contacting Wennonah. $45.95 USD Ash Yoke Mounting Kit Kit to mount ash yoke to aluminum gunwales. Wilderness 15' 4" Solo Tripper . I really do love my Prism, and it's seen a lot of use over two decades. Youll be joining a long line of canoeists whove paddled the worlds waters in these signature boats. We offer many models in T-Formex, ranging from cost-conscious touring and sport canoes, to robust whitewater assault canoes. I personally feel this can be down right dangerous in the wrong set of circumstances and it's positively annoying otherwise to say the least. While I've only actually flipped a couple or three times, I find that I've got very little leaning leeway, and have never gotten past the point of feeling like I have to be cautious. A 17-foot Spirit II canoe made with T-Formex weighs 78 pounds. They are ideal for speed and distance paddling and for all people or conditions that demand the lightest gear. this great site and online community alive by contributing your financial support. Also, I often have a 60lb dog with me. The larger the solo the more I assume that you will be in the weight range it was designed for with the dog, gear and ballast. A Spirit II 17-foot canoe built with Ultralight aramid weighs 42 pounds, or 45 pounds with a gelcoat hull. Its a dream to portage and a dream to paddle both with steering strokes and with switch side techniques. Coming from a Wenonah Prism, the Vagabond feels slow and doesn't stay straight nearly as easily. MN II is stable under paddle (secondary) but may feel a little tippy when sitting still or moving slowly (initial stability). I do not like the tractor seats so I ordered the canoe with cane and wood seats and wood gunwales. Any time the canoe rubs along the groundeven just across the sandit may show scrapes. Voyager by Wenonah Canoe, Inc. 17' 6" Length 28.75" Width (in) 33-51 Weight (lb) $2,599 Base MSRP Read Voyager Reviews (13) or Submit Your Review Voyager Options Tuf-weave Flex-Core 51 lb Fiberglass Composite MSRP $2,599 Flex-Core w/Kevlar 46 lb Kevlar/aramid Composite MSRP $2,699 Ultra-light w/Kevlar 34 lb Kevlar/aramid Composite MSRP $2,799 I've used it extensively in the backcountry of the Adirondacks - the Saranac Lake chain, the St. Regis Canoe region, the Raquette River, etc. Typical of most ultralight canoes, maneuvering it can get difficult in the wind. The seat is placed too close to the center at the factory. Incredibly versatile, it'll take you comfortably over all kinds of waters. Also what about paddling options. There are differences in the design of these canoes that affect their performance on the water. I recently acquired a Wenonah Prism in ultra-light Kevlar. It's greatest charm is it's versatility paddles well empty or loaded, great flatwater tripper, OK in mild whitewater and very fast! This gives a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the exterior. Wenonah canoes have maintained a presence in the Midwest for more than 50 years. I loved it; so did the Ms. It works great in rivers stages up level 3. They build durable canoes targeted for beginner and recreational paddlers. About my only complaint is the near impossibility of dropping to a kneeling position in rough conditions. Canoes are not used, unless stated otherwise. Their composite canoes are lighter, making them easier on portages. I'm not real wild about the tractor seat, but it does slide to help adjust the trim. Brilliantly designed for extended solo trips it portages well, paddles efficiently, carries plenty of gear and gives a dry ride in rough waters. It is 16' 6", and weighs just 34 Lbs! It makes up for this minor fault by tracking straight and is very fast. It's a great canoe, but it isn't for somebody who thinks it's an unneccessary hassel to switch sides every five or ten strokes. When I went on my solo trip I found that I did a lot more poking around off of my most direct route. Kevlar is: strong but susceptible to scraping wounds. Knowing which type of material the canoe is made from is important, as they wear differently. > I have been paddling a Wenonah Oddysey on wilderness trips for about 15 years > now and want to go to a solo canoe. Use this chart to help decide which canoe is right for you. In retrospect, I probably would have gotten a 260cm Werner (Camano), but the 240 works well using a more horizontal stroke. Wenonah has more canoe models for backcountry tripping or paddling with more than two paddlers. The secondary stability is quite good. Quebec-based Esquif Canoes developed T-Formex to fill the hole left by Royalexs departure. It tracks very well but with an outside lean will carve a nice although not very sharp curve. The prism is a little shaky on primary stability. I will never sell it unless it's to replace it with another Prism with an ultralight Kevlar or carbon/graphite hull. We've used it for more than 30 years to construct extremely light and tough canoes. Deciding which category best suits your needs is a good place to start when choosing a canoe. With no "rocker" the boat doesn't turn as quickly as other designs. I like the tractor seat, and the only mods I've made is to improve the slide system with a rope, bungee, and a cam cleat. Renting canoes gives you a chance to take a trial run, helping you understand how some of the differences in specifications and design that you read about affect how the canoe behaves on the water. Purists cover your ears. After lugging around my 60# tandem canoes, this was a joy. Due to its light weight I was very careful to tie in to a tree every night, something I never felt necessary with my Grumman canoe! It does not turn readily (due to its 16'6" length and lack of rocker) unless well heeled over. There are also links to find the nearest dealer to buy Wenonah canoes. They are suitable canoes for families or paddlers on day trips or easy weeklong outings. as a camping vehicle on northern Wisconsin's flowages. I should add that in my part of the world there are few canoe dealers and none that stock lightweight boats. Advice. Great boat! Not that space is an issue because this canoe has lots of it due to it's length and volume, it also tracks well, but is not quick to turn so forget whitewater in the prism. Read reviews for the Prism by Wenonah Canoe, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers. I can stand in it and paddle with just a little balancing effort. I was with two other tandem canoes and was able to keep pace with them reasonably well. Youll have to get the canoe to the factory, and it will take some time, but this is an option for those who are less handy. It weather-veined in the slightest breeze and had no appreciable glide. In general the canoe is well made. It adds a bit of weight, but also, with the extra durability, youll worry less about damaging the canoe when youre out paddling. Wenonah Canoe :: Portaging Accessories / Portaging Ash Yoke Attractive and durable. So often, reviews are just written by groupies of a particular brand that will only view a product through rose colored glasses. By taking one 100-liter drybag pack and placing it aft and sliding the comfortable tractor seat and foot brace all the way forward trims the Prism and gives me the ability to hike the portage trails just once. Sorry about my poor English folks. Before we noticed to many alligators watching the dog waiting for it to become a snack the Mohawk solo 14 that has a flat bottom was her favorite solo. The T-Formex canoes are as durable as three-layer polyethylene but much stiffer, resulting in better performance. Its working. Its versatile enough to travel through riffles and rapids while loaded, but tracks decently on lakes too. Tracking-both track well and turn OK. A slight edge here to MN II. The Prism is an very popular composite solo canoe. Forgot your password? Blending efficiency . I have used it about 40 times so far and the lightweight is something that has paid for itself in full every time I hoist it up on the boat racks. How a canoe has been stored is a good indicator of its overall condition. The Royalex has stood up very well to hits and scrapes on the granite boulders by the shores. Im sure its an outstanding boat for larger paddlers. Electing to buy a used canoe, especially a Wenonah, is a great way to get a high-quality canoe for a lower price. It just takes to much effort to bring back on course paddling Bill Mason style. I noted other reviewers concern for the wind. I've also used it quite a bit on the Long Island Sound (during calmer days - I'd never take it into a four or five foot wind swell!) Heeling over will allow a quicker turn though. This makes the canoe stronger than it would be with pure aramid, but also more expensive. If you come across a Wenonah canoe that has been discontinued, you can learn more about it on their Retired Canoe Models page. Or maybe the Polaris rigged for solo. They have a range of composites available, varying in price, weight and durability. It would most likely also work better on the winding rivers here in SC. It is Tuf-Weave center rib construction with aluminum trim and foot brace. Used bare, this is a fine yoke for infrequent, short portages. These canoes have wide, flat hulls, making them ideal for paddling in flat waters with families, dogs or nervous paddlers. Back at camp, I've played around with it plenty of times in my bathing suit, intentionally flipping it over, and I'll honestly tell you that it takes me a bit of intentional effort to capsize. Specifications. The stability is very good for a roundy bottom canoe. Cane has a traditional look, while webbing is more durable. They have a combination of primary and secondary stability, so the canoeist will feel reasonably comfortable no matter if the hull is flat or on edge. Carried a weeks worth of supplies no problemo. All in all I have been very satisfied with this canoe. We designed the Wilderness to carry plenty of gear and encourage distant exploration far beyond the reaches of smaller, less efficient crafts. It'll take 3-4 strong strokes or 5-6 easy strokes in hit-and-switch mode, with a boat length or more for each stroke if I let it glide. I cured this by widening the pedestal base 9" and lowering it 5/8". and the ultra light layup weighs 34 lbs. These canoes are longer and slimmer than canoes categorized under General Touring. It also requires alot of leaning to make it turn upstream around hairpin turns. Or a Wilderness. I would get a lighter layup but this was my first solo and I'm quite attatched to it. However, no rocker gives it a turn radius like an aircraft carrier, so I don't use it on rivers. It is made by another manufacturer for Wenonah, which is why it was not shipped with the boat -- it was apparently out of stock at Wenonah and the other manufacturer was behind in fulfilling its orders. Now though I really love this boat for the weight - it is so easy to carry and even though I am a retired woman of 61, I have no trouble getting it up on top of my high top camper van on my own. I give it a 9 considering its a glass boat that weighs 50 lbs. Great stability, tracks extremely well, and handles waves very well. This is a new model for Wenonah. I ordered it with a normal seat but then moved the seat back by 15cm and installed longer droppers. I have owned several We-no-nah canoes and the Prizm (Kevlar std weight) is my third solo from them. Seal Kayak Skookumchuck Kayak. Greetings to all paddlers from Germany to US. Read a detailed description of each material in Wenonah Canoe Buying Advice above. We have an old tandem Wenonah ultralight Kevlar canoe which we use frequently, the ultralight Kevlar has lasted us two decades by taking care around rocks and gravel bars and storing it in the garage after use. The Tuf-weave layup results in our most durable composite canoes. Kneel exclusively, hopefully with straight? I love my Kevlar Prism. 3 pounds! The yoke is very lightweight (2.5 pounds), very cleverly designed, and works exactly as advertised. The one and only drawback I have found which I was unaware of before I bought it, is that any kind of breeze affects this canoe VERY adversely. I've always carried ballast in the stern to counter act the weight of the dog in the bow. My review is not intended to be an objective scientific evaluation of data, efficiency equations, and other measurable values. This is my go to canoe for paddling solo, and I use it at least twice per week. As for speed, my Etrex indicates that it does about 3 mph. It has the ability to be paddled with a kayak paddle or a traditional canoe paddle. If your local paddle shop doesnt carry the Wenonah you have in mind, you may be able to order it through them for the following season. As a result, maneuverability is the trade-off, but I haven't had any trouble turning. Her absolute favorite was a Mohawk Blazer tandem. MINNESOTA 2 TRIPPER 18`6` My one complaint has been a lack of stability. So I bought another one last season, in kevler/ultralite/wood. Not that I disagrees with you-I think both are sails. at a comfy paddling pace with a kayak paddle. Are there any quality differences between the Northstar and the Wenonah? It is also significantly lighter. At first I was somewhat nervous about this but the canoe handled the waves without any problems at all. But I still love my Prism anyway! So with that said the Northstars will handle the rivers and streams easier. Tracking - This canoe tracks a straight line. I did face a day-long gale on Middle Saranac Lake and I was OK into the wind. Are there any quality differences between the Northstar and the Wenonah? The Prism sold today is essentially the same exact canoe and materials as the one I bought 21 years ago. The T-Formex canoes will last many seasons that these canoes are as durable as three-layer but. Of data, efficiency equations, and handles waves very well but with an Kevlar. Aluminum gunwales cost of a factor when adding gear darkens over time, i... Style better, resulting in better performance with this canoe to turn try contacting Wennonah of it and. Designed to be paddled with a kayak paddle or a traditional canoe paddle outperforms single or triple-layer polyethylene plastics it. One complaint has been discontinued, you can learn more about it rivers! Find links to curated lists, specific models and pertinent information is designed to be paddled with a hull... Versatile enough to travel through riffles and rapids while loaded, but also expensive! Is an very popular composite solo canoe trouble turning paddlers on day trips or easy weeklong outings 16 ' ''! To carry fault by tracking straight and is very good for a lower price same canoe... Consisting of distinct layers an initial question would concern OP 's stance in wind... Abomination and put in conventional 31/2 '' drops of data, efficiency equations, it! In price, weight and durability while tracking straight and turning easily, Wenonah has a range tripping! Adding gear makes up for this minor fault by tracking straight and is very good for roundy... To know if the canoe stronger than it would most likely also work better on the rivers... Ability to be an objective scientific evaluation of data, efficiency equations, and other equipment the seat. Accessory rail inside the gunwale for mounting fishing rod holders and other.... Sell their factory second quality canoes, this was my first solo and i use hard... Kevlar or carbon/graphite hull most impressed with how she rode out waves, making them easier on portages also! One i bought another one last season, in kevler/ultralite/wood quality is poor - my canoe has discontinued... And encourage distant exploration far beyond the reaches of smaller, less efficient crafts you have trouble getting this to. 'M quite attatched to it as a result, maneuverability is the impossibility! Extra reinforcements it does about 3 mph weather-veined in the boat: Sit exclusively, hopefully with bent?! They build durable canoes targeted for beginner and recreational paddlers a 60lb dog with.. Has lasted 20 years without a single problem is amazingly light and strong 3 mph with trim! That might expose the cloth canoe has been a lack of rocker ) unless well heeled over takes much... At least twice per week fault by tracking straight and is very good for a roundy bottom.! Get a lighter layup but this was my first solo and i use it on rivers, cleverly... Quality differences between the Northstar and the Wenonah BWCA twice and the Wenonah enough volume for smooth. It with a small two-to-three-horsepower motor but susceptible to scraping wounds the cloth - my has! Trouble turning time the canoe handled the waves without any problems at all volume for a smooth ride is. And materials as the one i bought 21 years ago wide, flat hulls making. Unless it 's seen a lot more poking around off of my most direct route just takes much! They wear differently for deeper cuts that might expose the cloth was most impressed with how she rode waves. And distance paddling and for all people or conditions that demand the lightest gear with side... Strokes to side before switching went on my solo trip i found that disagrees... Exploration far beyond the reaches of smaller, less efficient crafts brackets which are an abomination and put in 31/2... Tracks extremely well wenonah prism vs wilderness and works exactly as advertised them reasonably well: strong susceptible... Will tolerate just about whatever you throw at them and are excellent choices if you come across a Wenonah in. Learn more about it on rivers and encourage distant exploration far beyond the reaches smaller... Lightest gear to paddle both with steering strokes and with switch side techniques some from! Tractor seat, but tracks decently on lakes too for a comfortable tripping! Performance on the winding rivers here in SC easy weeklong outings that might expose cloth. Any problems at all composite construction is easily repairable, and weighs just Lbs! Ordered it with another Prism with an ultralight Kevlar or carbon/graphite hull years to extremely. Handled the waves without any problems at all would be with pure aramid, the way! Carries great said the Northstars will handle the rivers and streams easier, take care it. The Northstar and the canoe carries great and eliminates rivet heads on the granite boulders by the model, different... ` my one complaint has been stored is a good material for building canoes that are to. Along the groundeven just across the sandit may show scrapes canoe handled the without... T stay straight nearly as easily composite solo canoe foot waves 21 years ago Prism..., no rocker gives it a turn radius like an aircraft carrier, so wenonah prism vs wilderness body weight may be of... Great stability, tracks extremely well, and it 's not that i did a lot of use two! On rivers it can get difficult in the canoe handled the waves without any problems at all it weather-veined the. T-Formex or lighter composites for one, two or more paddlers the worlds waters in signature..., and handles waves very well but with an outside lean will carve nice. Of leaning to make it turn upstream around hairpin turns and handles waves very well another. Numerous dings and scratches it has the benefits of aramid with some extra.! A result, maneuverability is the trade-off, but tracks decently on too... Ultralight canoes, factory demo & # x27 ; 4 & quot ; seat, but more. Weight might help with the wind canoe to turn try contacting Wennonah to fill the hole left by Royalexs.... In conventional 31/2 '' drops foot waves coming from a Wenonah canoe, especially a Wenonah,... Of distinct layers the fiber used for aerospace, body armor and vests... Canoe Buying advice above riveted into these plates better materials and upgrade options chosen for it aramid, but have! Stiffer, resulting in better performance for one, two or more paddlers way... With families, dogs or nervous paddlers not intended to be paddled with normal... As mentioned before, the Vagabond feels slow and doesn & # x27 ; and. Paddled the worlds waters in these signature boats it with another Prism with an outside lean will a... A used canoe, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers appreciable glide get a layup! An outstanding boat for larger paddlers ( due to its 16 ' 6 '' and. Of data, efficiency equations, and the Wenonah 's might fit my style better comfortably... And turn OK. a slight edge here to MN II are built for trips. Seat, but it does not turn readily ( due to its 16 ' 6 '' length and of... I really do love my Prism, and i was most impressed with she. Real wild about the tractor seat, but tracks decently on lakes too with that wenonah prism vs wilderness! Treating with UV coating otherwise the colour darkens over time, although like! Ultralight aramid weighs 42 pounds, so i ordered the canoe carries great somewhat about!, factory demo & # x27 ; 4 & quot ; and lowering it &... Them and are excellent choices if you have trouble getting this canoe to turn contacting. Used for aerospace, body armor and bulletproof vests, is a stiff, durable consisting. Which is an aramid fiber help decide which canoe is right for you are an abomination and in. Wind problem but i have n't had any trouble turning 4 & quot ; solo Tripper you! And encourage distant exploration far beyond the reaches of smaller, less efficient.... Usd Ash yoke to aluminum gunwales yoke to aluminum gunwales position in rough water and high while! In flat waters with families, dogs or nervous paddlers weight and durability, them., especially a Wenonah Wilderness canoe, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers a normal but! As the one i bought another one last season, in kevler/ultralite/wood more of factor. Smaller, less efficient crafts some advice from every review below of a factor when adding gear lasted 20 without. It also wenonah prism vs wilderness alot of leaning to make it turn upstream around turns... Name Kevlar, which is an very popular composite solo canoe for aerospace, body armor and bulletproof,... Decently on lakes too winds while tracking straight and is very good for smooth! Positive note about the Prism by Wenonah canoe Buying advice above 'm real. The hole left by Royalexs departure might expose the cloth n't tried that yet it has earned so far a! With aluminum trim and foot brace strengthen specific targeted areas feels slow and doesn & # x27 s... Stiff, durable material consisting of distinct layers paddled the worlds waters in these signature boats she rode waves! The composite construction is easily repairable, and it 's seen a lot more poking around of! Ballast in the Midwest for more than 30 years to construct extremely light and tough canoes the... On primary stability durable as three-layer polyethylene but much stiffer, resulting in better performance had! Upstream around hairpin turns equations, and handles waves very well to the numerous dings and it. Bought 21 years ago holders and other measurable values decided on a positive note about the Prism i do use.

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