I'm finally pulling the trigger on a solo canoe, and could use some help.

I'm potentially buying a 1994 Bell Wildfire in the Blueberry color with a Kevlar gel coat layup. I have wanted this boat for awhile, as it was one of the first years BELL made this boat. And its in Blueberry!

I have never owned a Kevlar/gel coat, and wanted to know if anyone on this forum could share their thoughts.

Thanks in advance for the help!!!

What is it you want to know? Sounds like a purdy canoe. Ted probably was personally involved in it's construction.

Gel coat...adds a tiny bit of weight but not enough to worry.
As long as the current layer is sound I would go with it.
Sounds awesome.

WildFire requires some attention to a good forward stroke. Otherwise it yaws . Its sensitive to stern winds. However I trust you have wanted this for awhile and know its has a lot of stern rocker.

The gel coat is an "abrasion layer". This adds about two pounds but make the boat very good for tripping. A rock isn't going to bother it.

I have had several tripping boats and INSIST on gel coat over Kevlar or carbon fiber or both,
My current ride is a Colden WildFire. With gel coat! Carbon and Kevlar. I had a FlashFire in that blueberry color and it is very very nice. Be advised that others may want to take it.. Three guys tried to take mine which was beached on the shore to fish. Without my permission.. I caught them. rebuked them > They had no idea that three people should not be in the boat but they liked the color.

The Wildfire will make you a better paddler IMO. It's possible that if you're buying on CL that it's on my canoe rack, and in 94 I just might have built the boat. :) The early lams IMO are tough as nails.

Arcola,

If I need to do some gel coat repair, how on earth am I gunna match the blueberry?!?

Also, do you have recommendations on a brand of hull polish/wax?
Method(s)?

I would ideally like to clean the boat up before use, and you sound like the right guy for some info. I have researched many solo boats, and the Bell Wildfire is what I am looking for!

Thank you all for your insight and knowledge!

Safe travels!

Mixing and tinting can be a bugger, but it can be done( I can make the color). The boat has been wet sanded and polish and new trim installed. A light buffing, light sanding and oiling and 303 protection should be enough.

That's a nice looking boat. I had a red (aftermarket paint job) wildfire and really enjoyed paddling it. I sold it to wallee a few years ago and haven't had time to paddle solo since but saw this one pop up on craigslist and was tempted (not that I expect any solo paddling time anytime soon). Don't expect this boat to hold a line like a boat without much rocker-it will keep you on your toes steering but its a really fun and versatile boat. FWIW I am about 6'3" 190# and tripped UL style with this boat-using about a 25# hiking backpack for all my gear but never felt TOO big or weighed down in this boat. Could easily have packed a heavier load (probably ideally split into fore and aft loads). Enjoy it!

Arcola-am I reading this right that its your boat listed on CL in the cities? If so one of my best buddies lives on the corner of Stonebridge and Johnson-I thought about asking him to pick it up for me. Wish I could pull it off.

tg:
Arcola-am I reading this right that its your boat listed on CL in the cities? If so one of my best buddies lives on the corner of Stonebridge and Johnson-I thought about asking him to pick it up for me. Wish I could pull it off."

It's my son's boat.

Yes I bought the wildfire from tg , and it is a fantastic canoe. I must admit, the first couple times out, it took some adjusting to get used to it. I did lower the seat a couple inches which helped as far as not feeling quit as tippy. I’m 6 feet tall, 165 pounds and usually pack heavy for my solo trips. I was very impressed with how much weight the canoe can carry safely. That being said it handles great in rough water. I would not hesitate to buy another Wildfire, just a fun vessel to trip with.