I am intending to purchase a new Northstar Northwinds Solo in the Blacklight layup. I can't make up my mind if I should order wood or metal gunwales. I like how wood looks and I like that it is quiet. I assume that the only maintenance is oiling it a few times per year. I know that it is approximately 2 pounds heavier. In one way I say why buy a lightweight boat and then put a heavier gunwale material on it. I know that a lot of this is personal preference. Thoughts? Thank you for your thoughts on this.

I have a northwind and a magic, both black gold with wood trim. Beautiful boats and it's not a big deal to oil them a couple of times a year. I don't think the weight difference is a big deal, at least for me. I know some people like the no maintenance of metal but the eye candy is good for me.

My Northwind 17 and Northwind Solo both have metal. The wood trim is gorgeous. Therein lies the problem for me. If the wood got dented or gouged it would drive me nuts. I actually like the looks of Northstar's anodized aluminum trim.

I have a Northwind 18 with all wood trim. That two pounds spread out the whole length of the boat is probably not too noticeable. I hate the design of the Gunwales on the Bell/Northstar canoes, because that would wear on me after a while with my leg leaning against that uncomfortable gunwale edge. I think that's why so many people are strapping pipe insulation and swim noodles and stuff on the gunwales. Dang it, you shouldn't have to do that. That's not an issue with the wood gunwales. Warmer, quieter, more comfortable. I oil the trim once in the spring, and once going into fall. Takes all of ten minutes...no big deal.

It's all about cosmetics really. Some love the look and feel of real wood...it brings about thoughts of yesteryear when beautiful wood boats adorned the shorelines. It has a sort of upscale luxury appeal. On the other hand, the aluminum is weatherproof, maintenance free, modern, sleek, and also slides easier onto an overhead rack.

Wood costs more but also adds a little extra boost in the re-sale department.

I think it really comes down to preference and whether or not you want to spend the extra money. I love the look of new boats with wood trim. Used boats with wood trim...not so much. They always look more used and beat up for some reason. Still, I'd take wood over aluminum if I had a choice because wood can be refinished and looks amazing when it's properly cared for.

Wood all the way. Looks amazing and much quieter.

Wood- never a question, wood all the way. It is a bit more maintenance, yes. But man in a tripping boat, it looks great, and to me it gives the boat some soul. I know it is just a canoe- but when you spend so much time in a boat you spent so much time thinking about, why not have some soul in there man.

Good luck with your search ( go wood! )

Bob.

quote SilentPaddler: "I am intending to purchase a new Northstar Northwinds Solo in the Blacklight layup. I can't make up my mind if I should order wood or metal gunwales. I like how wood looks and I like that it is quiet. I assume that the only maintenance is oiling it a few times per year. I know that it is approximately 2 pounds heavier. In one way I say why buy a lightweight boat and then put a heavier gunwale material on it. I know that a lot of this is personal preference. Thoughts? Thank you for your thoughts on this."

I bought a new northwind in 2014. I Decided in part for the northstar over a souris because only Northstar uses wood gunwales and thwarts if requested. It really adds visual and aesthetic value to the hull. It is quieter, warmer and conveys as some have said a kind of traditional look that canoeing to me is all about. Go with the wood trim you will not. Regret it and the weight differential is minimal. JG