I am looking for a solo boat to use on small lakes and some slow moving rivers. I’d like the ability to be able to take 3 days worth of gear. I recently looked at a wenonah wilderness in ul kevlar that can get a really good deal on, $2100. I worry about the durability of the layup as the closest river here can run pretty shallow at times. The shop I went to also had a used wenonah fusion in royalex with the rudder. It’s in really good condition and I can get it for $1100. I also considered getting a kayak, the bonafide ex123 looks pretty interesting. I’m about 6 feet tall and weight 235 pounds. I’d like your inputs on those boats, my concerns about the durability of the kevlar and your suggestions on other boats. My budget is $2500.

I’m 6’ and usually am around 205-215. I’ve paddled a fushion. I thought it was a little small for me and definitely too small to add gear. I liked the Wenonah Vagabond I test paddled for use as a day boat but not big enough for me and gear unless I could keep it to 20 pounds or less. The Vagabond would be a great knock around day boat and fishing craft though. I’ve owned two Wenonah Wilderness canoes and they are perfect for your size, your gear and how you intend to use it. I really liked mine but I wasn’t using it how it was intended so I got into a different hull. Wilderness would really well for your intended use. For a shallow river you’ll want Royalex or T-Formex layup. If you want a composite canoe than there is another perfect boat. The best composite boat you’d fit in perfectly is a Northstar Phoenix in IXP layup - very, very durable. IXP was designed as a replacement for royalex. I will buy a Phoenix in IXP in the future. There will be other canoes mentioned but at your size and gear, those two are going to work really well for you.

Depending on where you are, I have a brand new NovaCraft Fox14 solo in their TuffStuff I am looking to sell for under what your budget is if your interested.