I felt I had enough time in the saddle to write up a review of a canoe that seems to get no love. No real mentions anywhere on the interwebz and one that is somewhat quirky enough to not fit into any one category.
A special shout out to a member here. I found a few pictures of this canoe online and traced them back to the owner on some social media and contacted him. I asked him if he could tell me a little about his. We now stay in contact and we talk all things canoeing, camping, families, businesses, etc. I found out we are also in a few of the same outdoor oriented forums. Thank you, Scott for being awesome. I hope to one day and have the honor of doing a trip with you.
Now for the review:
The BW solo is most compared to the likes of the NW Solo, Kewaydin 15 and Swift Prospector 14. These are all formidable craft with their own personalities. Similar in size and weight, the measurements at the waterline seem to be the biggest differences. The NW Solo has the most rocker. And that's where the initial differences end, because I feel the BW Solo doesn't really fit with the others mentioned. I would not put this up against the NW Solo especially for example, even though the NW does many things well like the BW. it's a little more performance inspired.
Wenonah has the BW Solo listed in their "recreation" boat catagory and that would be a correct fit. I feel it's not so much a performance boat, but a boat with some performance features. And that's not entirely a bad thing. It's your Dad's trusty old family vacation station wagon he loved. It gets you and your gear there and back with confidence.

I have put many hours and a trip in on the BW Solo. The latest paddling around lakes fishing in a 20 acre field of heavy lily pads at the end of a lake where, when moving through to run rubber frogs right through the living room of Mr. Largemouth, the telltale *FLOOOM!* of that bass exploding either on a frog or just to the side of the bow by getting too close to their lair would have had my heart stop and sent me over to the bottom of the lake had I been in my old Blackhawk Zephyr. It was after fishing stuff like this for a few days, with the bottom of the canoe littered with enough now legless and battle worn rubber frogs to look like a casting call for a post war Lt. Dan scene, did I decide it was time to give this canoe a write up.
As a platform to fish out of and spread around some gear, it works wonderfully. This is where the waterline width really shines.
I wanted something under 16 ft and this canoe comes in under at 15'7". So it tracks surprisingly well and responds to correction better than I thought it would with its 1" of rocker. It's not going to bomb down any fast class II, but wide rivers, the occasional riffles and even sparse rock gardens are no problem for this craft.

It's got a nice amount of tumblehome that makes different strokes, and those corrective strokes pleasant to perform. And if so inclined, like my wife using a double bladed paddle, there's enough there that the drip rings leave most of the lake's entire water column out of the canoe.

It glides....kind of. Let's face it, it's no Prism or Voyager. But it is quite easy to paddle and one can put in a very good day and not feel beat up by constantly having to correct a "wobble" on what I consider a "fat boat". I attribute much of the tracking ability to its length. However....She's a little chubby at best. But has a great personality.

I believe (and might be totally wrong) that the BW Solo was designed as a boat for outfitter rentals for people too afraid to let go of the dock when renting a Prism. it's a very user friendly platform. It's a canoe that forgives you for loading gear wrong or when you are trying to wet foot off some rocks and don't quite get your foot quite right but are already too committed and figure what the heck, looks like it's time for a quick swim. The BW Solo in its reassuringly smooth way calmly says, "It's ok Bro....I got you." and it does. It's a very confidence inspiring craft.

Wenonah is known for its centering of seats in its solo designs. Having taken this out on one really good trip so far. If the trip allows, I would do two smaller drybags split between the bow and stern. She is super stable under a load. But if you are using just one big pack, it's best to think about some gear organization to get some weight where it needs to be to even her out a little. One has to give this some thought to keep the canoe acting right under load. No different than any other canoe, but it's a fixed seat and you don't want to hinder any of the characteristics of what handling it has. because this is where it will affect it most notably. There's always a trade off.

So for me, it's kind of a "do it all" boat. I am now long past mega-mile days. I spent too much time as a young man looking at the map and how far I've gone and not enough time appreciating what I was doing. Same with my backpacking.
The BW Solo forces me to slow it down a little. I'll still make camp quite efficiently. I'm not paddling with a headlamp on scouring the shoreline for a site because I lost so much time.
It's a different canoe for me. I can still take this way out there on giant flow ages and places like BWCA, drop my gear and go back out to hit a cove or the other side of the island for some fishing, even after a day's paddle. Or I can just go out anywhere and enjoy a day paddle in a package that feels as grounded as if I had 50lbs of gear in the bottom.

I'm pretty happy with this purchase of what I believe is a misunderstood but yet really functional craft. I tend to buy things that I can get more than a single type of use out of, which is what made me think of this canoe as my next. it's versatile. it does all things somewhat well. It's boringly reliable and predictable. It keeps my head in the clouds and my eyes looking around for moose, birds or just taking in the beauty instead of beating the water to a froth to make miles.
I always seem to come back with a smile on my ugly face and glad I took time out of my day to get a paddle in on this canoe. I really like it a lot.
Can't wait to get it out on another big trip.

Nice review. The Basswood Solo also has Wenonah's VersiGunwales for fishing accessories as part of the standard construction. So the Basswood is really intended as a fishing/tripping canoe.

And I plan on using that versa-rail system to incorporate it into a portage yoke.
It's been simple so far, just setting the front half of the web seat on my head and walking, but I know I will need better when doing real trips with more portages every day ir so.

Just need to find some time to start building it.

That looks like an awesome boat. Kind of like a solo Spirit II. I have had a Prism for 30 years, love it, but the added stability of this canoe is attractive for what I do anymore. I’d like to have one for $600 or so haha. Looks like the cheapest is an outfit in Hayward, Wi selling for $2,795. I would love to check one out - 34 lbs, that’s nice.

Kinda wish you hadn’t posted this, now I want one! And I don’t really need a new boat… Could pick one up in Hayward, going that way on a trip in a couple weeks. I might give that outfit a call. Wish I could find a lightly used one for a good price, looks like a great boat for what I do anymore.

I got mine in Haward early in the spring. Best price for the factory seconds. The owner told me that he sells them out whenever he gets them in.
We had to both look very hard to find the flaw. And when we did, I laughed and said I'll do more damage the first time I take it off the truck and put it in the water.

The dealer in Hayward is a nice guy. Knowledge and open by appointment only.

Thx - I emailed him, I'm sure it's the same outfit, Hayward Outfitters.

I waffled between this and the Northwind Solo for months back in 2023, wound up with a NW solo and I wish I had got the Basswood Solo. Basswood offers more initial stability which is nice when you have a dog. The NW solo is pretty lively, we've never tipped or come close to tipping, but I think our trips over the last few years would have been more enjoyable in a more stable canoe. Live and you learn.

This boat looks perfect for where I'm at right now. Done with the hard core portaging trips, I mostly want to fish on my local lakes and go on boat in trips in Wi. Love canoeing camping & fishing but fact is I suck at portaging anymore.

I bought my Prism 30 years ago totally clean barely used for $700. Dang, this is like a $3,000 decision... Might be fun tho, you only live once. Would like to pick one up and put it on my rack and tie it down. Gotta be sweet at 34#. I could pick one up at that outfit and head to the Chippewa Flowage for a trip. That's a legit plan, see how it goes.

scat: "This boat looks perfect for where I'm at right now. Done with the hard core portaging trips, I mostly want to fish on my local lakes and go on boat in trips in Wi. Love canoeing camping & fishing but fact is I suck at portaging anymore.

I bought my Prism 30 years ago totally clean barely used for $700. Dang, this is like a $3,000 decision... Might be fun tho, you only live once. Would like to pick one up and put it on my rack and tie it down. Gotta be sweet at 34#. I could pick one up at that outfit and head to the Chippewa Flowage for a trip. That's a legit plan, see how it goes."

Do it. I'll bring mine and meet you there.

We had an email exchange, was firm on his price at $2795, with tax it's $3 Gs. Gotta think about this, so tempted but not sure, it's a lotta dough.

Just opened a Chinese fortune cookie that says - Make time for your passions...

First week of October might be a thing, got a few trips to get in before I want to head that far north. Could hit the shop then head for the Chip. See how it goes.

A plan is to pick up the boat at the shop Oct 1st then head to the Chipp and camp at the Eagle Point campsite till Sunday the 4th. Could reserve the site now. Never been there looks like quite the adventure. Want to do a little more research first. Got maps on the way.

Great review!

I had a chance to take the very first Basswood Solo out for a spin as we were finalizing details of seat placement and fittings a few years ago at Wenonah. I took the boat for a quick trip in on the Angleworm up to Home and then crashed down the drainage to Beartrap and looped back to camp through Thunder and Gull. I really enjoyed paddling the boat.

On the portage trail it was light enough to single carry the 'worm. On the water it tracked straight in the wind and was plenty stable. I rigged a rod holder to the Versigunwale and trolled most of the trip.

As you said, the canoe was designed as a user-friendly beginner boat, specifically for the outfitter rental market. Something more stable than a Prism but still efficient enough to take on an extended trip. Really nice to see how many people like it as their personal fishing and tripping solo!

Here are a few pics from my misty crash down Home Creek to Beartrap.

Brian Day

I want one! Looks so pretty in those pics. Could be the perfect boat for the way I trip anymore. Did a deep dive trying to find a used one, no joy. Seems like the outfitters don't offer this model. Had a chat with the guy in Hayward, see how it goes, no panic right now, It's a pretty hefty chunk of change, I still have my Prism, but I am tempted I must confess and we all know how that usually goes...

Sent an email to Lorax invited him to join me on an upcoming trip to Willow Flowage in Sept. Hope you can make it for a couple days dude, bring that boat haha

scat: "I want one! Looks so pretty in those pics. Could be the perfect boat for the way I trip anymore. Did a deep dive trying to find a used one, no joy. Seems like the outfitters don't offer this model. Had a chat with the guy in Hayward, see how it goes, no panic right now, It's a pretty hefty chunk of change, I still have my Prism, but I am tempted I must confess and we all know how that usually goes...

Sent an email to Lorax invited him to join me on an upcoming trip to Willow Flowage in Sept. Hope you can make it for a couple days dude, bring that boat haha "

I know moose track adventures resort on farm lake has at least 1. They post here occasionally.

Thx bro - called Moose Tracks and they aren’t selling their Basswood solo. Had a nice chat, but back to square one. Not a panic have a good boat bought and paid for.

Great review! And you are right. There isn’t that much info and reviews on them out there. Absolutely love mine and meets my needs perfectly.

I am putting together a portage yoke for it now. Im about 75% done. It will utilize the Versi-rail.
A lot of measuring to do because of the seat and the balance point. I hope to have it done very soon.

Both Rockwood and Voyageur on the Gunflint side list the Basswood solo in rentals fleet. I didn't have time to check the Ely Outfitters, but it might be worth a browse through their websites. Getting a used canoe from an outfitter is usually a pretty good deal. Its getting close to the seasonal used canoe sales.

Just checked online confirmed both of those outfits have the Basswood in their rental fleet. I’ll prob check it out, give them a call after the season in a bit. Not sure what the used ones go for but getting a new one from the guy in Hayward might in the end be a better deal. Less travel, the extra gas money could level it out pricewise. Not really sure I need a new boat so it’s not a panic right now. Thx for checking appreciate that.

I'll add - I googled Ely outfitters selling use canoes - actually quite a few options for the Basswood solo:

Piragis says used 1 year - $2,500 - not worth it
Canadian Waters - 2021 model - $1,695 - now we're talkin
2022 model - $1,895
2023 model - $2,095
River Point site says they sold one for $550 - Huh maybe a typo

Best case is prob to call after the season and see what's available, might get a steal never know till you try.

Yeah the versi-rail is nice addition. It’s was simple to attach my striker. No clamps etc and a simple flip up of the transducer and off we go. I would be interested to see what you come up with for yoke. I currently have northstar yoke that I put the clamp brackets in the slot then tighten down. Would be nice to have something easier to put on and remove and yet still have easy adjustment depending on balancing of weight.

You’re not helping my OCD haha.

34# - sounds like dream…

Emailed Rockwood. He said they will have one for sale but wouldn’t quote a price. Their site says they sell 3 year old rentals. He said check in 2nd week in Sept. first come first served. No ‘pre-purchasing’ is how he put it. Was tempted to ask for a ballpark but I don’t think that would go over real good.

I dislike all of you right now! I paddled one of these from Tuscarora on my only solo trip to Snipe a few years ago and loved it! Kind of forgot about it until I saw all of this and now I want one!!!!

Scat - I purchased a used Northwind 17 from Rockwood this spring for $1800 (about half price of new) so I'd assume a solo would be in the same 1/2 price of new range. Just my guess. And while I want one, and Rockwood has ONE, I'm not in the position to get one this next year so won't race you to try and buy this year. Next year - all bets are off!

Yeah I’m thinking best case is $1900-2000 for a 3 year old outfitters boat. That could def work, see how it shakes out. Oh man I’d like to get a new one from the guy in Hayward and make it all mine haha.
Was your Northwind in good shape, not too beat up. I’m not really a freak about the boat being pristine, but feedback on that is appreciated.
$2200 with tax & extra gas to pick it up on the Gunflint, the gap starts to narrow.

The Northwind I purchased is in pretty good shape. Scratches but really less than I expected from a rental. Talked with Mike and Carl quite a bit about the boat and they gave me recommendations on care moving forward. I'm very pleased with the condition of it and glad I purchased it.I would not hesitate buying a used canoe from them. Good people who care about their clients. If it wasn't in good shape, I can't imagine them wanting to sell garbage and have that bad word/reputation out there.

There is one side that is telling me send the guy in Hayward the $3 Gs pick up the boat Sept 30 and head to the Chippewa Flowage where I have campsite reserved for 4 days. So tempting, you only live once right..

Other side is, I'm 65 years old. Somewhat sadly I have come to realize my portaging days are over and I have my trusty Prism that has never let me down. I don't really need a super light boat, it is going from my rack into the water to a boat in site from now on. I even went so far as to research availability of a thru hull transducer for my Piranha fish locator setup and found one, almost bought it. I have a Spirit II also and 3 boats seems like overkill at this stage, plus it's a lotta dough for something I don't really need. Looks like a great boat, would love to have one but I don't think it is a smart move at this point in my life. Dang...

It's like falling in love with a bartender who is half your age. Baby I wish I would have met you 25 years ago, we would have been perfect together Haha


Cheers scat