Haven't posted in a while, but just had to share...took the maiden voyage in my recently acquired Wenonah Wilderness in Kevlar UL. My first solo boat. Took 'er out on the Kish yesterday and ended up dumping...some tricky spots in the low water conditions, believe it or not! I also figured out after the fact that I didn't have the seat adjusted level, side-to-side wise. Great relationships often have a rocky start!

You'll get used to it, then you'll like it. ;)

Hang in there George ... you will get the hang of it.

I had to lower the seat a bit in my Bell Magic after its maiden voyage.

I got the same canoe earlier this year, my first solo, as well. I love it, too! I haven't gotten to use it much but super happy with it so far. Im hoping for years of fun with this boat. Congratulations and happy paddling!

The wilderness is a great canoe. The more you paddle it the more you'll fall in love with it. Enjoy!

quote Bonvicken: "Haven't posted in a while, but just had to share...took the maiden voyage in my recently acquired Wenonah Wilderness in Kevlar UL. My first solo boat. Took 'er out on the Kish yesterday and ended up dumping...some tricky spots in the low water conditions, believe it or not! I also figured out after the fact that I didn't have the seat adjusted level, side-to-side wise. Great relationships often have a rocky start!


"

Was the water cold George? :)

Not such a bad thing to dump, especially when you incur little or no loss. It engenders some respect for just how easy it is for a solo to go over if all isn't right.

I started out my Hunters trip in a solo boat I had never even test paddled (hey, I got busy). I just went to the dealer (Action Sports, Jackson Michigan) picked it up and drove the 30 hours to Moose lake to put in. I loaded up, got in, pushed away from shore in some choppy water and I thought for sure I was going over. I barely made it back to the shoreline dry. At that time Bell had hiked the seat up near the gunnels. Fortunately the owner of Action Sports had given me a set of seat drops. I borrowed a multi tool and installed them having luckily grabbed them out of the garage just before pulling out of the driveway. All was well after that!

"
Was the water cold George? :)"

It was refreshing!

I added some weight to mine after the 1st time I paddled it, made it more stable. Enjoy.

quote housty9: "I added some weight to mine after the 1st time I paddled it, made it more stable. Enjoy."

This is a good suggestion......

find one of those 5 gallon water jugs if you are in areas that don't have rocks around (Kickapoo River in SW wi.) . I bring a few for those little boy scouts in the bow and the old man in the stern. That extra 40# in the bow helps bring it down. Helps keep their hair dry
dr bob

You will find yourself out on the water more often now that you have a solo canoe.

quote mr.barley: "You will find yourself out on the water more often now that you have a solo canoe."

That was my primary motivation for getting one!

Congrats on the new ride.