I found a wenonah canoe, it's a 2009 and says it's only been in the water twice and is the kevlar ultralight layup at 37 lbs. My concern is it's only 16ft long. Is this good for 400 lbs of people and 140 of gear/food? I estimate 140 being quite high as a safety in case I take a heavier paddling partner or longer trip some years. Oh and the price is $1350.

I like that canoe and have taken one to the BWCA once. I know most people consider them too short, but I like 16 foot tandems for the BWCA. The Andirodack will carry two people and gear for a week.

16 foot tandem canoes I have also used in the BWCA include the Penobscot 16, OT Camper, SR Q16, and wenonah Prospector 16; and have even used a 15' Nova Craft Bob Special.

I have the Adirondack in Royalex and it has made many weeklong trips. We've pretty regularly had similar loads to what you describe and it has done fine. Waterline isn't an issue, but foot space can get tight for the stern man if you throw three large packs in there.
For that price, I'd jump on it.

Thanks for the advice. I have gone in a 16' alumacraft ultralight and it did fine, just wasn't sure if it was a reasonable comparison.

It's a nice boat! I've only paddled the royalex version, but it was very comfortable and easy to manuever/turn. Nice enough glide to it too. I'd jump on it if it's a good deal!

I have a smaller 16'6" inch boat that I have used in the BW for years. Love the smaller boats--easy to handle and carry.

I have a tuf-weave Adirondack and I love it (except for the weight). I know the canoe that you are talking about and I would be all over it with a trip from Duluth if I wasn't looking for a 17 or 18 foot kevlar. The Adirondack can handle a good load and is nice to paddle, I just want the option of a 3rd seat or I think I would have the canoe in question at this point since it is a full 20 ponds lighter than the tuf-weave. Just something to chew on.

Cheers

My old tuffweave Adirondack's probably went on close to 30 trips. I'm no lightweight, and a couple trip mates weren't either. I estimate I've had 600lbs in one on fall trips, and that may have been a little overloaded, but never uncomfortably so. Traded for lighter Souris Quetico 16. The Adirondack was the better paddling of the two. Surfed 3-4' rollers on Gunflint once in one. Not crazy, but rode about 20 yards off the South shore and the NW wind would have washed us ashore if we'd dumped (wouldn't have done that mid lake!). I'd jump on it if it's a good deal. Here's a couple pics of it loaded down. It's the blue canoe in the pics. 1st pic it's the canoe I'm in and I'm overlooking my load. Note the comfortable freeboard loaded down. It's a really nice boat unless you need to take the kitchen sink. TW

Let me think. Almost 20 lbs lighter than mine, and I don't have to pay a dime. BUY IT!! BUY IT!! My shoulders and back will thank you.

Well I emailed the guy the same day I posted my questions and someone had beat me to it. Should've went with my gut and just pounced on it I guess, but now I know.