I'm considering selling my 2006 Bell Northwind and wondering what this community thinks is a fair price. It is 17'6", whitetgold lay-up (kevlar/fiberglass), white gelcoat, wood trim, 50-ish pounds. I would call the condition is "used lovingly" - typical scratches but no significant damage.

Lots of folks say 50% of retail. That is a desirable canoe in most markets, so maybe more depending on location. I’ll leave it to others to put numbers out there, since I would count myself as an interested prospective buyer.

I cannot remember when ORC bought Bell Canoes (2006-7 ish?). To me, a pre-ORC bell boat would be more desirable.

If you have a scale it would be worth verifying the weight. The white gold northwind had a catalogue weight of 60lbs. The black gold boat, which sometimes had white gelcoat hiding the black carbon outer, has a catalogue weight of 47lbs, with wood probably adding a few lbs. that would be worth more.

If the weight is closer to 50lbs than 60, I would be interested in paying fair market price. I’ll shoot you an email with my contact info.

I'll stick my neck out and say $1500-ish or maybe a bit less. Depends on the condition and the weight (and the local market). I had a black/gold one with wood trim and it was right at 50 pounds so I'd expect your boat to be well over 50.

Are you in MN?

Thank you for those that have responded and sent emails. Keep the input coming. I like canoes but there are great people here that know so much more than me.

For those that have expressed interest, I am in Duluth, MN and will let you know IF I decide to sell. In the meantime...

So I weighed the boat using two different bathroom scales and come up with 51 pounds. I remember waffling between the whitegold and kevcrystal materials. My memory is fuzzy. It looks like it is the kevcrystal and the gel coat and wood trim make up for the 4 pounds between my boat and the catalog weight. Looks like I made the right choice. (And I guess I will change the subject title). There is a tiny spot where the gel coat is chipped away and I can see down to the yellow weave of Kevlar; there are no tiny spines of fiberglass. Any other tricks to verify the material?

From the serial number it was made in April of 2006. I believe it was right before the change of ownership. I remember it took a very long time to receive. Also peculiar to this boat is the Kevlar is straight yellow weave instead of the yellow and black typical at that time. It was a special order and I was happy to get it so I didn't think to much of it then. Maybe it had something to do with the ownership change and using up materials or something. Thoughts?

Now that you have "wet peoples appetite" with this thread its time to snap a few photos and list it in the Sale Forum.
Justa thought.
CB

The current version of your canoe weighs 40-43# depending on the version you choose. I’d say depending on shape and how badly you need get rid of it start at $1400-$1500 and be ready to negotiate if you want to get rid of it. I’d start lower if you wanted to unload it quickly or if there is obvious damage. I might be way off too...just an opinion and I have no skin in the game as I have no interest in the canoe.

T

I think the lighter Kevlar Crystal is more desirable. New StarLite boat is $2795 + $425 for wood so well over $3300 with tax retail. I think you're right in that gelcoat and wood trim can each add 3-5 pounds.

I think around the $1400-1500 range would probably be fair if in good condition. Should be an easy sale whenever you decide.