Hi Everyone,

I'm currently looking at a used 1988 Wenonah Advantage in what I believe is the Kevlar UL Layup (37 lbs). The seller is the original owner and the canoe has always been garage kept and appears to be in very good shape. No obvious damage and only the expected shallow scratches in the hull.

Were there any major construction changes in Wenonah hulls from the late 80s to today that would cause concern due to the age?

The seller is expecting a bit of a premium for it at a very firm $1600; this seems a bit high to me for a 31 year old boat but maybe I'm off-base. What do you all think?

I owned an Advantage from that time and I own a 2019 Advantage.I believe there was a slight change in design, but nothing too dramatic. The Ultra Lite lay up has been around for decades. I don't see an difference between my old Advantage and new one as far as layup. As far as price with out seeing it. I think it's way high for a canoe that old. I've seen recent Advantages in good shape going for that price. That's actually more than they paid for it from that year if I'm not mistaken. I do realize that Kevlar canoes can keep their value. But that's still too high

Blatz: "I owned an Advantage from that time and I own a 2019 Advantage.I believe there was a slight change in design, but nothing too dramatic. The Ultra Lite lay up has been around for decades. I don't see an difference between my old Advantage and new one as far as layup. As far as price with out seeing it. I think it's way high for a canoe that old. I've seen recent Advantages in good shape going for that price. That's actually more than they paid for it from that year if I'm not mistaken. I do realize that Kevlar canoes can keep their value. But that's still too high "

Awesome, good to know re: the lack of major design changes. That was my feeling about the price as well; I offered them $1150 based on some early 90s Bells (with wood gunwales etc) that I've seen being sold for that range recently on the forum. I think they thought that offer was a bit ridiculous and they said they have friends that used to sell the Advantage that suggested their asking price.

According to a pricing sheet that HansSolo posted from 1989, the Wenonah Advantage was $1075 in 1989.

Oh well, I guess I'll wait to see if something similar pops up locally at a more reasonable price. Thanks for the advice!

They were foolish not to accept your offer, AdmAckbar13. It was most generous.

I contacted a guy last year trying to sell a similar year Advantage in average shape. He wanted $1300 for a 30 year + old canoe . He was staying firm on his price as well. Not sure if they're basing the price on the current list price ( which nobody pays, usually you get a 10% discount) but as nice as the kevlars are, they don't appreciate in price, just depreciate slower than other canoes.

Hayward Outfitters is a source of pricing for Wenonah Canoes. Currently they do not have an Advantage, but they often do have one in stock. Also, Carl's Paddlin, Lone Rock WI is a good place to look for a used Advantage. I am not associated with either of these businesses, just trying to provide information to the OP.

I've bought from Silent Glide many times. Dan is a great guy to work with. He always has an Advantage in stock and he'll discount the list price.

I like the Advantages but.....that old at that price?? Dang....same age as I am!

I'd agree that they're pretty high. You'll find a better deal on one another time

whitecedar: "Hayward Outfitters is a source of pricing for Wenonah Canoes..."

The current price on a new boat has little bearing on the price of a 32 year old boat.

Thanks for all the great advice everyone. I'll probably hold out for a used solo to come on the market. New is a bit more than I'd like to spend and I imagine I would be incredibly anal about a new hull. Pre-scratched and discounted seems ideal to me. We'll see if I change my tune if I keep getting to the good deals just a hair too late. There was a brand new Prism with a carbon fiber paddle for $1500 on the Duluth Craigslist last week and it had already sold when I contacted the seller 3 hours after it was posted. Some people are so fast!