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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum First Canoe |
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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!
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!
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.
"Leave it as it is.....The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it." Theodore Roosevelt
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.
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.
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
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.
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.
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins
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