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

Hi
I have a Wenonah Fisherman in royalex, looking to trade or sale. I think it weighs in around mid fifties. Very stable not much for tripping. I live in Ashland are you interested?
Jack

Thanks, but I'm thinking something closer to 40 lbs. Good Luck. -Ron

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.

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.

Ron -

I'm interested in your merlin if it's still available.

Ford Erickson ferickson@comcast.net

Hello
I am also interested in the canoe.

Where is the canoe located? I tried looking in your profile, but for some reason could not get it to open.

Thank you.

I was able to get into your profile this morning. I see your in Crandon, which is a little further than I feel comfortable traveling these days. Looks like a great boat though. Someone is going to be very happy!

Would be nice if the person posting would update this to let people know if it is still available.

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.

ronwin and mntom,
are these canoes still available?

I might be interested. Do you have any pics? What color is the kevlar?

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.

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
"

Is the Bell Merlin available?

I'd be interested in your Merlin. If you still want to sell, email mfliehr@hotmail.com

MNTom, is your Merlin available?

I’m very interested in this canoe. Is it still available? If so where is the location?

I have a bell Merlin black gold solo available for sale if anyone is interested? I just took it out of storage and I’m located 30 mins east of the twin cities.

Ambeosa - Can you e-mail me? I'm interested.

Ambeossa1: "I have a bell Merlin black gold solo available for sale if anyone is interested? I just took it out of storage and I’m located 30 mins east of the twin cities. "

Ambeossa1, Is the Merlin still available?

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?

Is this still for sale?

Ron. Do you still have the Merlin?

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.

MERLINpaul: "Ron. Do you still have the Merlin?"

I'd be surprisedif it is. The original post is 5 months old and ronwin hasn't replied since 4/23...

double post...

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.

Do you still have fisherman? If so, please contact Jim at: spildecar67@yahoo.com

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.

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.