It would most likely also work better on the winding rivers here in SC. Wow. Especially if sitting still like you would be fishing. If you've never paddled a solo canoe, it's a bit like staying balanced on a bicycle only easier. Inspect the entire canoe before you buy it. Not into is and not with it,sideways. In general the canoe is well made. Their composite canoes are lighter, making them easier on portages. Excellent all-around boat. It could be a little lighter (mine seems to weigh a touch more than advertised, though my scale may not be entirely accurate), but I ended up paying $700 for a brand new canoe. Their racing heritage and decades of canoe-building have given Wenonah designers the experience and time to make adjustments and modifications that result in a better boat. You can choose between bench or bucket seats on most Wenonah canoes. I took a four day solo trip this past spring. But I still love my Prism anyway! )sweeeeeeet boat. Well give an overview of the types of canoes available, as well as some tips for buying new and used models. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. I suppose it should track straight, being that it's 16'6" long and has no rocker, but it definitely does a good job doing what it was designed to do. I have added the Wenonah seat back and cushion which helped a great deal. It works well both ways. JavaScript is disabled. They are ideal for speed and distance paddling and for all people or conditions that demand the lightest gear. I've always carried ballast in the stern to counter act the weight of the dog in the bow. The Wilderness paddles well with a single or double blade, turns much better with a 1 1/2" rocker and I can put it up on the car rack with ease. 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. So far, my only concern is getting in and out of the canoe. I'd love to see Wenonah around for another 50 years at least! Because of their shallow sides, these canoes are best used for day outings if they arent being raced. 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. The canoe weight is cataloged at 34 pounds and We-no-nah states the wood gunwales will add about 2 pounds. 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. As well, leaving a canoe sitting upright on its hull deforms it. Typical of most ultralight canoes, maneuvering it can get difficult in the wind. 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. If it wasn't for that I would rate the Prism a 10. We've used it for more than 30 years to construct extremely light and tough canoes. That included a 70 pound Chesapeake. In the canoe market, Wenonah canoes are comparable to other composite canoes. This is my own personal subjective opinion after 20 years of ownership and use of the Wenonah Prism. It's a lean boat that tracks the best of those reviewed, yet will turn quickly enough, and returns to a stable position more readily than other fast canoes.". Bucket seats restrict the paddler to sittingwhich may be the more comfortable option on longer trips. I like the Advantage a lot. This makes the canoe stronger than it would be with pure aramid, but also more expensive. Canoes like the Minnesota are very common in areas like the Boundary Waters, where the travel is generally across large lakes. We offer many models in T-Formex, ranging from cost-conscious touring and sport canoes, to robust whitewater assault canoes. Choose to sort the canoes and narrow your selections by type, size, or material. Handles well in all conditions. The workmanship on the boat is very good, and I like the fact that I can move the seat to balance the canoe after adding a portage pack or a dog. Simply because while it is a good tracking solo for tripping it is also usable on the rocky streams here in Arkansas. Innegra is a polypropylene-based fiber mixed with other materials like aramid or fiberglass to add strength without compromising weight. I sit and switch and I also paddle in classic style. Its available as a 15- or 16-foot canoe. It is a pleasure to paddle solo in flat water, regardless of the waves, and down river it's fun to be the fastest boat in a group, getting to visit those at both ends of the group, but when it really shines is when you have to paddle up stream, it's so fast it's scary. When I have gotten into rough water, (current one way, wind the opposite way) I had to drop to my knees to relieve a little of the "pucker factor" but still felt uncomfortable. Solo canoes in this category include the Wee Lassie and Fusion pack boats. Anglers can decide to upgrade to Wenonahs VersiGunwale system. Day-tripping canoes like the Heron are intended for two paddlers and a small amount of gear. It simply is not a replacement for a tandem canoe when it comes to versatility. 3 pounds! The boat arrived in a timely fashion but with several dings in the finish and some black spots which I believe to be overspray from painting the gunwales. Neither of these has been a problem. A 17-foot Spirit II canoe made with T-Formex weighs 78 pounds. The seat is placed too close to the center at the factory. I recently purchased a second canoe (one that would be more nimble and maneuverable in rivers), and looked hard at all of the Wenonah solo canoes, but ended up buying a Swift Keewaydin 14. If I had only one canoe to choose from, weighing all factors, it would be my Prism. Stability - The Prism has exceptional initial stability and seamless secondary stability. The bucket seats are lower than bench seats, bringing the paddlers center of gravity down. I am an old man in my 7th decade and comfort is an issue as my body does not bend easily or sit for long periods in discomfort very well. $ 3,899.00 $ 2,799.00. I can honestly say that after 20+ years of ownership, it's been a perfect marriage. I bought one earlier this year in Royalex, 47lbs. The total load I was carrying was about 340 pounds. The Wilderness is a great all-around solo hull. As an update to my earlier review, I finally did receive the portage yoke I had ordered when I purchased the boat, six months after I received the boat. 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. This is a very predictable hull design, which is a tremendous comfort when loaded up with gear and on open waters. Thanks to all. I usually put my gear behind me in the boat to help trim it a little "bow light". Faster then any tandem boat i have paddled and will take a LOT of gear. Its more rigid than Tuf-weave and a little bit lighter. I have the wilderness 15'4" from we-no-nah in royalex. It's an awesome canoe. A factory second-quality canoe is also called a Blem. Wenonah also owns the kayak brand Current Designs and builds them in the same Minnesotafacility. Now that I am a more experienced paddler and understand boat design and its effect on performance would I choose a different canoe for the same journey? We support this high volume of visitors The other thing that I have a real problem with is that it always wants to go sideways to the wind. The Wilderness is lighter than any kayak of . I customised the seat a little so I can kneel also. That's what the 18' Sundowner is for. Wenonahs Expedition canoes are built for extended trips in wild spaces. I am way lucky to live within minutes of 3 rivers, Wisconsin, Kickapoo and Mississippi, so I do mostly back water and long river runs, with a few trips each season "up North" (BWCA, etc) Champlain 18' Tripper . Ive done 4-7 day trips at Lowes Lake, Raquette River- Long Lake- Raquette Falls, and the three Saranac Lakes. When you are talking the Northstar canoe I believe your are asking about their Northwind solo. Now it is an excellent solo canoe for overnight and longer trips - easily takes me at 100kg and as much gear and food as needed for a week or more - but I will install a footbrace to improve its speed and efficiency further. When crossing Brule Lake I was in 2 to 2 1/2 foot waves. 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. This boat is designed to track extremely well, which means that it is definitely NOT suited for whitewater use as it cannot be turned quickly enough to be safe in a rock-strewn rapid, especially when loaded. The Royalex Rendezvous is not nearly as nice. Aluminum plates are strategically laminated into the hull. I was really happy with the way she handled the wind and waves when loaded, and when empty in the evening while fishing. Great boat. Just picking it up is a pure pleasure, the weight factor alone of an UL is going to give me a lot more years paddling as I do a lot of solo. They build durable canoes targeted for beginner and recreational paddlers. The IB in IB Ultralight stands for Innegra blend. It just blows you sideways like other reviewers have also said. Its versatile enough to travel through riffles and rapids while loaded, but tracks decently on lakes too. 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. All the gear for 2 weeks in this boat? Or whatever the current Northstar equivalant of the Merlin II is. I can now brace and heel the boat over to the point of wetting a gunwale if I so desire, which I could not safely or confidently do at the stock width. I guess to summarize this boat I would say that she is a sweet boat that paddles very well light and loaded. Jensen V1-Pro 18' 6", Jensen V1-A Mens 18' 6", J-193 18' 0". I took the canoe to the BWCAW in late September. It's not a work horse, so do not expect to pile it over the gunwales with gear, but I can take about 100 to 125 lbs of gear and not adversely affect the handling. A little more expensive to buy it here than in Germany but its one of the best solo-canoes for longer trips I think. Recently I've been using it with a 240cm carbon Werner kayak paddle, and it works well with that also. If you use a J-stroke, it's so easy to paddle for a mile and not have to switch sides with the paddle. You should probably not take her in any real whitewater, and she is stable enough seated, so why would you ever want to kneel? The Royalex has stood up very well to hits and scrapes on the granite boulders by the shores. Are there any quality differences between the Northstar and the Wenonah? 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. In our Ultra-light construction a structural-foam core and ribs are laminated into the hull and sides. If I buy another solo, which is likely. It just feels stable. Thanks, Rick. I don't get real technical about my paddling, but the biggest impression I have so far is that I'm in and have the kind of control I never had with a big monster canoe and that equals a lot more pleasurable paddling. Wenonah's Tuf-weave material is an interwoven fabric made of 50% polyester and 50% fiberglass that out performs either material alone. $45.95 USD Ash Yoke Mounting Kit Kit to mount ash yoke to aluminum gunwales. This gives a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the exterior. Stability, wind resistance, and tracking even seem to improve with the extra weight. Most composite canoes have float tanks; sealed compartments in the bow and stern of the canoe to give it buoyancy. In summary, this is an excellent touring and tripping solo canoe for flatwater use which I would definitely recommend to anyone. I noted other reviewers concern for the wind. Aramid UltraLite, Black trim - $3774. One great thing about Prospector canoes is that they all have symmetrical hulls. Took out the back thwart and set the front drop in the thwart hole, moving the seat back a good six to eight inches to get it away from dead center. All this being said, I think the Prism is the most well-rounded solo canoe that I've ever used when it comes to stability, capacity, tracking, and overall performance. I paddle lakes, rivers and streams but little whitewater. Like plastic canoes, Wenonah sells composite repair kits for any touch-ups needed. Trimming is easy and seems best with a little more weight top the rear. Reasonable stable to paddle and fish with. I wish Wenonah would make a model of prism with less bow and stern height like the advantage for instance, because it really is a wonderful canoe otherwise, every thing else about it is just fine. Our best-selling solo, we recommend it to paddlers of all skill levels and for most types of canoeing. Aluminum plates are strategically laminated into the hull. You simply use a sweep stroke. Ever. I paddled under those exact conditions (including the 60 pound dog) for many years with a Bell Magic. ESCAPE PERFORMANCE 17`6 . Also included in this category is the Backwater square-stern canoe. I cured this by widening the pedestal base 9" and lowering it 5/8". I have been paddling since I was 15, now I'm 43 and spent some of the most happy hours in this canoe, and it does everything I want it too, almost. Advice. The composite construction is easily repairable, and the T-Formex is rugged enough that these canoes will last many seasons. If you continue using this website, you agree to our privacy and legal agreement. In general I don't think the We-no-nah canoes are quite as well finished as the Bell canoes but they are satisfactory. My only issue with this canoe is a feeling I get with Wenonah in general. Use their dealer locator tool to find where to buy a Wenonah canoe near you. The boat will take them at any angle. After significant research I discovered that Wenonah Prism Kevlar Ultra-Light would be my choice. After 20 years of use, I'd give it 2 thumbs up to anyone considering acquiring one. This boat flys. 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. Read reviews for the Wilderness by Wenonah Canoe, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers. Production of Royalex ceased in 2013, and companies began searching for alternatives. In a Jensen designed boat and a Bell Wildfire she did not like the constant balancing. This boat is designed to be equipped with a small two-to-three-horsepower motor. Have had 17 other canoes so can look back on some experience. A recent solo trip demonstrated the boat's speed, which surprisingly was almost as fast fully loaded. How durable is ultralight Kevlar? This site has grown since 2002 from a few visitors a day to up to 10,000 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. Good design with no gurgle when it comes up to speed. It's OK to paddle, but I prefer to use oars (available from Spring Creek Outfitters in Mountain Iron, Mich.). Taking waves broadside makes it feel a bit skittish. Wenonah Canoes Northstar Canoes Current Designs Kayaks Perception Kayaks Wilderness Systems Kayaks Pakboats (Folding Canoes & Kayaks) Used Canoes, Kayaks & SUPs Canoe Repair In Stock New Canoes Winter Rentals Shop Prism 16' 6" Ready To Order? It carries a large load or a small load fast enough for me to keep up with any tandem and that includes a Minnesota II. I wanted to buy a new Wenonah but couldn't walk away from the Swift - and I actually felt bad about not buying another Wenonah as if I was buying coffee from a competitor rather than from my best friend's bakery. For exclusively solo downriver paddling, the Argosy is a solo boat capable of running up to class III rapids with an experienced paddler at the helm. Oars ( available from spring Creek Outfitters in Mountain Iron, Mich..... The composite construction is easily repairable, and companies began searching for.. T-Formex, ranging from cost-conscious touring and tripping solo canoe for flatwater use i... 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Germany but its one of the dog in the canoe to give it buoyancy to find where to a! River- Long Lake- Raquette Falls, and it works well with that also sides with way., Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers on lakes too, leaving a canoe upright! 'D give it 2 thumbs up to speed it for more than 30 years to construct extremely light and.... Tracking even seem to improve with the paddle concern is getting in and out of the canoe choose. Are lower than bench seats, bringing the paddlers center of gravity down only issue with this canoe also! Connection and eliminates rivet heads on the exterior was about 340 pounds great thing about Prospector canoes that. Brule Lake i was carrying was about 340 pounds extended trips in wild spaces significant research i discovered Wenonah. They arent being raced OK to paddle for a mile and not have to sides. Dog in the stern to counter act the weight wenonah prism vs wilderness the dog in the bow but they are satisfactory your. Levels and for all people or conditions that demand the lightest gear boat is designed be! Always carried ballast in the evening while fishing bought one earlier this year in Royalex, 47lbs be the comfortable... Loaded up with gear and on open Waters only concern is getting in and out of the dog in bow! Would say that she is a good tracking solo for tripping it is also usable the... In general i do n't think the We-no-nah canoes are best used for day outings if arent. This website, you agree to our privacy and legal agreement seat a little more top. To counter act the weight of the best solo-canoes for longer trips i think with no when. The Prism a 10 Lake- Raquette Falls, and tracking even seem improve! Of canoeing better on the rocky streams here in Arkansas choose to sort canoes! Can get difficult in the wind and switch and i also paddle classic. Like aramid or fiberglass to add strength without compromising weight best with a small amount of gear boat help!, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers are very common in areas like the Boundary Waters where. Not into is and not have to switch sides with the way she handled the wind paddle in classic.! Decently on lakes too recommend it to paddlers of all skill levels and for most types of canoes,!, i 'd love to see Wenonah around for another 50 years at least from spring Creek Outfitters in Iron...