I just picked up an older Mad River Canoe after work yesterday (looks like an 89 from the serial number). Anyone familiar with this model?

It's just over 17' long, 34" wide, and just over 11" deep. Haven't weighed it yet. I can carry it myself, but it's not one I'd want to portage for too far.

Both seats are on sliders to adjust forward and backward (one of the wooden rails on the stern seat is broke, so I need to make a new one). Wood is rough, but I think with some sanding, and oiling, it would be ready to roll. Got it for $175.

Specs are close to a Destiny. But I dont think Destiny's were made back in 89. Hard to tell from pic.

Interesting design. I've not seen that stern stem angle on a MRC before. With the low sheer line, it must be a racing design? Maybe the Hurricane?

This pdf shows which hulls were produced when: link

I went through that doc this morning, and looked up the models I didn't know. I was wondering if it could be a Whistler or a Typhoon. I haven't been able to find a picture of either of those models. According to the doc, the Hurricane wasn't produced in 89, but that was a thought too. If anyone has any pics of those, I'd love to see them. I really need to find an 89 catalog.

The stern reminds me of the Blackhawk Zephyr (where it sticks out further at the bottom). Definitely an interesting canoe.

we need HansSolo to jump in....he probably has the catalog. Now that you mention it, I think the Whistler had the reversed stern line....and was about 17-2 or 17-4 long

That could be it then. Yeah, can't find any pics of the Whistler.

Knew Hans had Sawyer catalogs, but that would be amazing if he has the right Mad River one too! Fingers crossed!

these two threads both point to the recurved stern stem, suggesting this is a whistler:

https://myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=12488&start=0

https://forums.paddling.com/discussion/1545507/1990-mrc-whistler-17-4-kevlar-hybrid

Thanks!

Other than the width being at 30", those specs the guy has listed for the Whistler seem to match up. I found a post where someone mentioned the Typhoon was over 18', so if that was correct, then it does seem like this is a Whistler.

Just found this listed on another site.
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Whistler specs retrieved from a 1988 Canoe Buyer's Guide.
Length: 17'2"
Width: 34" gunwale/ 30 1/2" waterline
Depth: 16 1/2"/13"/13"
Weight: 70lb proprietary/49 lbs fiberglass cloth
Usage: Touring
Retail price: $889.00 (proprietary layup)
$1,549.00 (fiberglass cloth)
Hull configuration: moderate rocker/asymmetrical/shallow arch/flare
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Curious what the proprietary layup is. 49 lbs sounds way too light for fiberglass, and mine is definitely closer to the 70 lbs weight.

Sure looks like a Whistler? We test paddled one in the '80's. I liked it, wife did not due to the minimal initial stability. Fast, liked to go straight, as I recall? I almost bought one a few years back as it's one of those I really enjoyed, but since we never paddle tandem.... Great "Pick up!"

Elgin: "That could be it then. Yeah, can't find any pics of the Whistler.

Knew Hans had Sawyer catalogs, but that would be amazing if he has the right Mad River one too! Fingers crossed!"

How's this?







Hans Solo

Amazing! I'd say that's the one! Only difference I see is that mine has wood caned seats instead of the bucket. Both slide still.

Thank you all so much!