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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Items For Sale or Wanted Bell Merlin solo canoe for sale |
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04/17/2020 07:28PM
My little used Bell Merlin solo has hung in the garage since 1990, having tripped in BWCA three times for a total of thirteen days. It has come down every 2-3 years to re-oil the ash rails and walnut decks, at which times I usually paddle it around the lake I live on, admire it again on the grass, then hang it back up until next time.
My wife and I paddle our 90 lb. aluminum canoe around our little lake several times a week during open water, but we're getting up in years and can no longer heft it up the hill to take it to another. So, I'm reluctantly looking to replace the 39 lb Merlin, with a lightweight tandem as a more portable tandem canoe.
A local dealer has suggested $1,800 as a private sale value for the Merlin in near new condition. Sounds high to me. Asking $1400. Make an offer over $1200.
-Ron
My wife and I paddle our 90 lb. aluminum canoe around our little lake several times a week during open water, but we're getting up in years and can no longer heft it up the hill to take it to another. So, I'm reluctantly looking to replace the 39 lb Merlin, with a lightweight tandem as a more portable tandem canoe.
A local dealer has suggested $1,800 as a private sale value for the Merlin in near new condition. Sounds high to me. Asking $1400. Make an offer over $1200.
-Ron
Ron K
04/23/2020 05:08PM
ronwin: "Thanks, but I'm thinking something closer to 40 lbs. Good Luck. -Ron"
I don't blame you for that, I like the fisherman so well I bought one in Kevlar light, 36 pounds, you would love it for fishing and it is good with kids and dogs, very stable. Not bad to soloing also. Anyway hope you find what you like.
04/24/2020 09:20AM
Hi Ron -- so, my first post but I've been lurking for a while as I'm looking to get back into canoeing after being out of it for, literally, decades. Couple quick questions for you:
1. In searching around, I think I found the specs for the Merlin I (vs the more common Merlin II). Do these specs sound right to you: "The hull was 15'6", w/ 30 max beam, 29" at the 4" waterline and 27,5" molded rail width. She was slightly asymmetrical and had significant tumblehome. Shear was 15.5", 11.5" and 14.5" front to back. The original design had 1/2" rocker..."
2. How is the primary/initial stability? As a relative beginner, and somebody who may want to do some fishing, the relatively high seat placement suggests it may be a bit tender/twitchy? Obviously a subjective question and I know I could lower the seat - but as the long-time owner, what is your view?
Thanks for any info you can give - I'll shoot you a private message to discuss possible purchase but I figured these questions might be useful for others.
1. In searching around, I think I found the specs for the Merlin I (vs the more common Merlin II). Do these specs sound right to you: "The hull was 15'6", w/ 30 max beam, 29" at the 4" waterline and 27,5" molded rail width. She was slightly asymmetrical and had significant tumblehome. Shear was 15.5", 11.5" and 14.5" front to back. The original design had 1/2" rocker..."
2. How is the primary/initial stability? As a relative beginner, and somebody who may want to do some fishing, the relatively high seat placement suggests it may be a bit tender/twitchy? Obviously a subjective question and I know I could lower the seat - but as the long-time owner, what is your view?
Thanks for any info you can give - I'll shoot you a private message to discuss possible purchase but I figured these questions might be useful for others.
07/13/2020 01:17PM
I also have a Bell Merlin canoe that I think I would like to sell. It was bought in 1990. It has been hanging in my garage almost all of this time. Excellent shape. Yoke included. Not sure about pricing but probably around $1,000. New, they are about $2300. Twin Cities location. Suggestions and comments appreciated.
"Chocolate cake is my gateway drug"
08/24/2020 12:48PM
ronwin: "My little used Bell Merlin solo has hung in the garage since 1990, having tripped in BWCA three times for a total of thirteen days. It has come down every 2-3 years to re-oil the ash rails and walnut decks, at which times I usually paddle it around the lake I live on, admire it again on the grass, then hang it back up until next time.Is the Bell Merlin available?
My wife and I paddle our 90 lb. aluminum canoe around our little lake several times a week during open water, but we're getting up in years and can no longer heft it up the hill to take it to another. So, I'm reluctantly looking to replace the 39 lb Merlin, with a lightweight tandem as a more portable tandem canoe.
A local dealer has suggested $1,800 as a private sale value for the Merlin in near new condition. Sounds high to me. Asking $1400. Make an offer over $1200.
-Ron
"
07/15/2021 09:46PM
mntom: "I also have a Bell Merlin canoe that I think I would like to sell. It was bought in 1990. It has been hanging in my garage almost all of this time. Excellent shape. Yoke included. Not sure about pricing but probably around $1,000. New, they are about $2300. Twin Cities location. Suggestions and comments appreciated."mntom, Is the Merlin still available?
08/29/2021 08:36PM
Hello Dead Dog-
My experience with solo boats, Swift Pak 13.6 and my beloved Northstar Magic, as an older guy with a range of motion limited right knee, was here we go swimming again.
No worries, keep going, stability comes from the user, not the boat, and you will master it if you are willing and dare to try.
Just my two bits, and good luck.
My experience with solo boats, Swift Pak 13.6 and my beloved Northstar Magic, as an older guy with a range of motion limited right knee, was here we go swimming again.
No worries, keep going, stability comes from the user, not the boat, and you will master it if you are willing and dare to try.
Just my two bits, and good luck.
08/31/2021 09:17AM
NMJim: "Hello Dead Dog-
My experience with solo boats, Swift Pak 13.6 and my beloved Northstar Magic, as an older guy with a range of motion limited right knee, was here we go swimming again.
No worries, keep going, stability comes from the user, not the boat, and you will master it if you are willing and dare to try.
Just my two bits, and good luck.
"
Thanks - here is an update to the old thread. Back in April 2020, I ended up with a Wenonah Fusion solo in Royalex. And, a month later, a Wenonah Adirondack tandem in kevlar :).
NMJim is absolutely correct. After less than an hour on the water, it all came back to me -- like riding a bicycle. To be fair, both of these are very stable canoes but the ease of paddling was awesome.
09/01/2021 01:12AM
boonie: "Actually it is 16 months old and that was 4/23 of 2020. Ronwin was never a member before that post and has probably never made any other post. It should be deleted. "
Sorry, missed the year 2020, and yes, should be deleted or closed.
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