For those who have or have paddled a Northstar Phoenix how would you rate the initial stability? Is it comfortable/predictable say when fishing/casting without a load? How does it compare to other solos? How would it compare to something like an OT penobscot or a mn2?

I have a Phoenix in IXP and have always found it incredibly stable, even sitting high up with kneeling drops. It's certainly more stable with a load, but does fine empty also. It's incredibly full in the bow and stern stems so it rides up over waves and it's a fairly deep boat, so that helps too.

It's a much different boat than say, a MNII. It's a boat with symmetrical rocker, 2.5 in at both bow and stern. Because of this it's much easier to turn and spin, ideal for paddling rivers. But because of this you'd have to work harder to get it to track in a straight line on a lake. The MN II was built for lakes and designed to track straight, but is much more difficult to turn in tight spaces. Sort of like comparing a jeep (the Phoenix) and a sports car (MNII).

For other solos, you may want to check out Northstar's Northwind Solo as a better option for fishing. It's their do-everything solo. It has asymmetrical rocker 2.5 in bow & 1.5 stern so it both turns well, but also tracks in a straight line nicely. Works great on both lakes and rivers. Their other current big solo, the Magic, is sort of a solo version of the MNII. It's primarily designed to track straight and go fast on big lakes.

Kermit: "I have a Phoenix in IXP and have always found it incredibly stable, even sitting high up with kneeling drops. It's certainly more stable with a load, but does fine empty also. It's incredibly full in the bow and stern stems so it rides up over waves and it's a fairly deep boat, so that helps too.


It's a much different boat than say, a MNII. It's a boat with symmetrical rocker, 2.5 in at both bow and stern. Because of this it's much easier to turn and spin, ideal for paddling rivers. But because of this you'd have to work harder to get it to track in a straight line on a lake. The MN II was built for lakes and designed to track straight, but is much more difficult to turn in tight spaces. Sort of like comparing a jeep (the Phoenix) and a sports car (MNII).


For other solos, you may want to check out Northstar's Northwind Solo as a better option for fishing. It's their do-everything solo. It has asymmetrical rocker 2.5 in bow & 1.5 stern so it both turns well, but also tracks in a straight line nicely. Works great on both lakes and rivers. Their other current big solo, the Magic, is sort of a solo version of the MNII. It's primarily designed to track straight and go fast on big lakes. "

Really curious to know how the initial stability is compared to the mn2. Was trying to think of boats I've paddled that others likely have as well to compare. I've only paddled two solos (prism and fox) neither of which are known for great initial stability. To some people (not me personally) the mn2 feels uncomfortable initially. If it's comparable to the Penobscot then I'd probably even be comfortable poling it if need be as I do that frequently with the Penobscot.

It's been awhile since I paddled a MNII, but I'd say the Phoenix is more stable. It's fuller throughout the hull than the MNII. The MNII is only 5in wider than the Phoenix at it's widest point, while being four feet longer. Again, the MNII was made to knife through waves and track straight on big lakes, while the Phoenix was made to ride over waves and white water on rivers and other moving water.

keth0601: "For those who have or have paddled a Northstar Phoenix how would you rate the initial stability? Is it comfortable/predictable say when fishing/casting without a load? How does it compare to other solos? How would it compare to something like an OT penobscot or a mn2?"

My Phoenix (in BlackLite with wood trim and internal skid plates , 30.1 lbs. It's a beauty!) was delivered in early November and has been out on several local paddles. I really like this canoe. It's not the fastest canoe in my stable, but the maneuverability is great!

Now for your questions:

Initial stability is very good for a solo canoe. The secondary stability is amazing; you can lean that baby over to the top of the tumblehome without worry. This is while it is empty, I have not tried it with a load yet.

I ordered mine with kneeling drops, but I can comfortably sit on the seat, move around and look behind me. I could fish out of it, but have tried that not yet.

I currently have six other solos from everything from Freestyle canoes to solo trippers to semi-race canoes. The Phoenix falls in the middle, maybe leaning to the slower, more agile end of the spectrum.

I have not had an MNII, but have had a Penobscot 17. You are trying to comparing a sports coupe to a pickup truck when asking this question. A solo will be quicker handling than a tandem, but less stable simply due to the width and volume difference. Load capacity of the solo will be limited compared to the tandem. They are made for different scenarios.

For a "do it all" solo canoe, I find it hard to beat the Phoenix.

keth0601: "

Kermit: "I have a Phoenix in IXP and have always found it incredibly stable, even sitting high up with kneeling drops. It's certainly more stable with a load, but does fine empty also. It's incredibly full in the bow and stern stems so it rides up over waves and it's a fairly deep boat, so that helps too.



It's a much different boat than say, a MNII. It's a boat with symmetrical rocker, 2.5 in at both bow and stern. Because of this it's much easier to turn and spin, ideal for paddling rivers. But because of this you'd have to work harder to get it to track in a straight line on a lake. The MN II was built for lakes and designed to track straight, but is much more difficult to turn in tight spaces. Sort of like comparing a jeep (the Phoenix) and a sports car (MNII).



For other solos, you may want to check out Northstar's Northwind Solo as a better option for fishing. It's their do-everything solo. It has asymmetrical rocker 2.5 in bow & 1.5 stern so it both turns well, but also tracks in a straight line nicely. Works great on both lakes and rivers. Their other current big solo, the Magic, is sort of a solo version of the MNII. It's primarily designed to track straight and go fast on big lakes. "

Really curious to know how the initial stability is compared to the mn2. Was trying to think of boats I've paddled that others likely have as well to compare. I've only paddled two solos (prism and fox) neither of which are known for great initial stability. To some people (not me personally) the mn2 feels uncomfortable initially. If it's comparable to the Penobscot then I'd probably even be comfortable poling it if need be as I do that frequently with the Penobscot."

The Wenonah Prism has a ton of initial stability, much more than most solos. Phoenix has less initial stability than Prism. I've owned Phoenix and NW Solo and agree that the NW Solo would be better for fishing (because it doesn't roll as easily as the Phoenix which is made for rivers).

I had a Penobscot 16 which seemed similar to Phoenix in that it was plenty stable when kneeling but when sitting I'd be more careful with my casts if I was a fisherperson. A sitting paddler would probably find the Penobscot more stable.

For me the Phoenix had more initial stability than I need and I'd lean towards the sportier Firebird but in your case your comment about the Prism worries me. The Phoenix is totally different in "feel" from the Wenonahs with Phoenix having a lot of secondary stability (as mentioned) and Wenonahs having almost no secondary stability so it's hard to tell which type of boat would make you feel more comfortable.

I may be recalling the prism with a slightly skewed view on initial stability as it was the first solo I tried and recall it feeling all around less stable, but at the time I was used to paddling a spirit II.

I mostly kneel and paddle some class 2 and class 2+ whitewater from time-to-time so for that reason the Northwind was out for me. I typically solo a prospector 15 outfitted for solo use on rivers and use the fox for lake tripping. Looking for something that can do both and it seems like the Phoenix might do it.

Also planning to do some more paddling on Lake Superior and for that the prospector catches more wind than I like and the fox doesn't handle heavy surf as well. I'm thinking the Phoenix with air bags and maybe a spray deck might be just the ticket for what I'm after. I don't care so much about speed as handling in adverse conditions.

keth0601: "I may be recalling the prism with a slightly skewed view on initial stability as it was the first solo I tried and recall it feeling all around less stable, but at the time I was used to paddling a spirit II.


I mostly kneel and paddle some class 2 and class 2+ whitewater from time-to-time so for that reason the Northwind was out for me. I typically solo a prospector 15 outfitted for solo use on rivers and use the fox for lake tripping. Looking for something that can do both and it seems like the Phoenix might do it.


Also planning to do some more paddling on Lake Superior and for that the prospector catches more wind than I like and the fox doesn't handle heavy surf as well. I'm thinking the Phoenix with air bags and maybe a spray deck might be just the ticket for what I'm after. I don't care so much about speed as handling in adverse conditions."

I think the Phoenix would be a GREAT choice given your priorities. Handling is comforting and predictable for sure. I'd expect it to handle big water like Superior well.

I paddle round trips on rivers and the Phoenix didn't have quite as much efficiency as I like for the upstream part but for downstream work it's perfect. My local rivers recently hit record levels after a meltoff and a Phoenix would have been nice to have in high current.

Well I just ordered a Phoenix in ixp with the kneeling seat drops, molded in skid plates, and whitewater eyelets and lining holes from Rutabaga today. Can't wait to get it out on the water.