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06/20/2017 09:45PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi all!

I'm looking to purchase my first ever non-aluminum canoe.
I've rented the Wenonah Boundary Waters ultra light Kevlar twice in the past year, and I seem to like its maneuverability and stability on bigger water. My only complaint is that the front seems to be a tad tighter than other canoes I've rented. We noticed that our legs were uncomfortable after 4 hours or so of fishing.
I am searching for a canoe for 2 people that is good for portaging, packs and fishing.
Is there a different canoe that I should look into?

I've found an outfitter that has 4 Wenonah Boundary Waters canoes available that are 1 season old with portage pads and skid plates. These are running $1800. Is this a decent price? What do you guys think about buying an outfitter's canoe? Looking forward to some feedback!
Thanks!
 
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06/20/2017 10:14PM  
Check out a Quetico 17 from Souris River Canoes. Buying a used rental canoe is a great way to go, some even have them refinished before they send them out the door which is nice to have done.
 
06/20/2017 10:26PM  
Thanks for the recommendation! I'll look into the Quetico 17. I believe I rented this once from LaTourells.
 
06/20/2017 11:07PM  
Next time I buy a Canoe it will be a Northstar.
 
Jackfish
Moderator
  
06/21/2017 07:00AM  
There are several canoes with very tight bow seating areas. For tall or larger people, the lack of comfort and leg room would eliminate those from any search I was doing.

One thing to consider, however, is a canoe with a sliding bow seat. That can make all the difference - either for leg room, trimming the canoe or both.
 
06/21/2017 12:24PM  
If speed isn't as strong of a need, which it sounds like it isn't if you're doing mostly fishing, I love my Langford Prospector. It's a less common name in the BWCA, but I got my Prospector 16' from Stone Harbor in Grand Marais. It looked almost new and was at least a few hundred less than what you've priced the Wenonah BW at.

It has a sliding bow seat for added leg room and is pretty light for a kevlar with a gel coat. It came with portage pads, but no skid plates as they aren't as much of a need if you're using a gel coat which you can re-apply quite easily. It does have a 2'' rocker, but it is a very easy boat to fish from and navigate with.

If you're in the Twin Cities area, I'd recommend meeting up at a group paddle and try a few different boats with whomever your paddle partner is going to be.
 
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