BWCA Help me choose a first time solo boat, please Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Group Forum: Solo Tripping
      Help me choose a first time solo boat, please     

Author

Text

06/04/2014 05:13PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Yesterday my wife, for the first time, did not go bonkers when I said I am buying a canoe. So better to strike while the iron is hot...sooo....

Can you experienced solo canoeists give me some makes and models for a good, lightweight solo boat that a new solo paddler may prefer?

I am 175lbs, 5'10" and expect to keep my gear at or under 50lbs.
I am not looking to do whitewater. I am a flatwater guy. I want to use the boat in the Canadian Shield(BW/Q, Wab, WCPP type paddling) and in the rivers in and around Illinois and environs in between (WI, MN, maybe UP).

I have been reading various threads here and looked at paddling.net some. It seems that something in the 14' range is the most likely candidate, but if you cold give me makes/models and some of the pros/cons of your preferences, that would help get me down to five or ten initial choices.

I know everyone has their own opinions about what would be best for a new guy like me...that is exactly what I am asking for...Please help me get started before SWMBO changes her mind! :)
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
06/04/2014 05:54PM  
i think a 14 footer is too short. of course ill suggest a bell magic but ill also suggest wenonahs wilderness.
 
06/04/2014 07:05PM  

quote kanoes: "i think a 14 footer is too short. of course ill suggest a bell magic but ill also suggest wenonahs wilderness."


I agree with kanoes that 14' is too small for the type of waterways you're intending to paddle. This is especially true for tripping in the BWCAW, Quetico, WCCP, etc.

Although you're not of Offensive Lineman stature, I wouldn't say you're of Cliff Jacobson build either. (No offense Cliff!) Sure, you could use something like a composite Bell Yellowstone Solo, provided you could find one.

A similar solo canoe by Ted Bell that's currently available in the upper-Midwest would be the NorthStar Phoenix @ 14' 6". Although that model has more rocker than I'd prefer for a "Canoe Country" touring canoe. (Probably why it's billed as more of a river touring solo.)

But why not go a little bigger? As kanoes suggested, a Wenonah Wilderness or a Ted Bell Northstar Magic would be a better choice. In my humble opinion, I think the Bell Magic is probably one of the best "Canoe Country" touring solo canoes a paddler can buy.

Just my two cents worth.

Hans Solo
 
06/04/2014 07:40PM  
Good luck in your search Jim. Your wife sounds great! Can she have a chat with mine? ;)
 
yellowcanoe
distinguished member(4984)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/04/2014 07:42PM  
Anything in the 15 foot range. I do have one boat I hate simply cause its slow and work to turn.. The SR Tranquility solo.

Its your trip and not mine though. I think 14 feet is workable though and do like the old Curtis DragonFly. I have been soloing in its scion the Colden DragonFly.. just short of 15 feet with 2.5 inches symmetrical rocker.. My go to boats for two week trips are 15 feet and I am not powerful enough to drive a sixteen foot solo


Whats your style? Do you want a hard tracker or do you like to have more maneuverability. With technique( heel) you can maneuver a hard tracker and the same for a more twitchy boat ( good forward stroke avoiding J!)

The precise boat is not all that important in the long run. What floats by at a decent price can be.

I like Swifts Keewaydin 15 and Osprey but if they are not in your area, those are useless to you.

Magic is a good boat . Merlin is more versatile ( but more general purpose and way more not available).

The bottom line is just get a solo boat. It will get you out there. And with water time you'll learn what you like and what you don't.

Just stay upwards of 14 feet and inwards of 30 inches max width.

One last question.. Wenonah excels at canoes designed for sitting. As a general rule, they are terrible for those who kneel and heel the boat.

Other boats with shouldered tumblehome like the Magic are best for kneelers and sitters and those that fiddle with heel of the boat.

Whats your canoe personality?
 
06/04/2014 09:57PM  
Tough call solo canoes can be very personal, maybe a trip to Madison WI, Rutabaga, to test a couple is in order. Call ahead to arrange a test they will have the canoes out back right by a channel.

butthead
 
06/04/2014 10:01PM  
I would be a sitting paddler. With my knees I don't think kneeling would work.
I saw a bell Yellowstone on Craigslist yesterday. I'll take another look.
Keep the ideas coming folks... thanks again!
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/04/2014 10:05PM  
I'm 6'1" and weigh 165. Love my Magic. I thought a Yellowstone solo would be fun too so I bought a used one. Sold it the next spring. Just not for me. Built a woodstrip Osprey because I thought it would be nice to have something more maneuverable. I rarely paddle it.

I like to paddle hard and fast. I live in NW Iowa and paddle similar waters to you. The rivers around here have no white water nor do they require tricky maneuvering. The Magic has no problems on the rivers I paddle. My normal local route is to paddle 3-6 miles upstream and then back to avoid having to find a shuttle driver. I do this with a 30 pound dog in the bow and 30 pounds of ballast in the stern.

I can't do that in the Osprey. I can paddle it with a J or Canadian stroke and keep it going straight on flatwater up to about 4mph but above that, at least for me, I have to start switching sides, which is a real hassle to do every 2 strokes. Trying to paddle it upstream against a 2mph current is slow and no fun. I'm sure there are others who can do better.

For flatwater and covering miles I just don't think you can beat a Magic. Fast enough and tracks straight but has more maneuverability than most boats in its class. You can always paddle a fast boat slower. It's a lot harder to make a slow boat go fast. It's nice to be able to cover waterwhen you want/need to.

I also do plenty of leisurely floating/paddling in the Magic as well as fishing and camping.

Of course it also depends on paddling style. What do you like in a tandem?

Alan
 
06/04/2014 10:34PM  
Well, it sure is much easier when the consensus brings me down to 2 or 3 boats. I did look over the SR solo and my impression was that it looked pretty wide. I've seen the Bell Magic solo on the water and I think it may be a good fit for me. I have not ever seen a Wenonah Wilderness. Maybe I can find an outfitter who may let me take one for an afternoon test??
 
06/04/2014 10:47PM  
bh- Rutabaga is a great idea! It's only a couple hours drive NW of here...and I could throw a hike in over the weekend , too!
 
06/04/2014 10:47PM  
Saw this in another thread and it seemed appropriate...

Swift Canoes
 
06/04/2014 10:55PM  
Thanks, Brandon. I have a good buddy who is looking for a tandem boat for his wife and he to use around here...you would have met him if you could have come to Two Bros a few months ago!
If I get a boat I'll let you know and maybe we can go out some weekend for a few hours on the DuPage
 
06/04/2014 11:01PM  
Yeah, sorry I missed out on that. Let's do Quigley's or World of Beer at some point.

I have heard a lot of good things about the DuPage the last few years. I have personally seen the water clarity and fishing improve a huge amount. It will be interesting to see how it ends up after the restoration is complete.
 
billconner
distinguished member(8607)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/05/2014 08:03AM  
quote jcavenagh: "Well, it sure is much easier when the consensus brings me down to 2 or 3 boats. I did look over the SR solo and my impression was that it looked pretty wide. I've seen the Bell Magic solo on the water and I think it may be a good fit for me. I have not ever seen a Wenonah Wilderness. Maybe I can find an outfitter who may let me take one for an afternoon test??"


The Q16 or the Tranquility? 16 is definitely wide but I don't think the Tranq width is much different than many popular solos. Definitely a Rodney Dangerfield of solos.
 
PortageKeeper
distinguished member(2527)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/05/2014 08:20AM  
I'm not sure that I would even go (to WCPP) if I were paddling a 14' boat, as most 14 footers are not slim boats. Of course this all depends on your tripping style. If you don't plan to cover much area then I could see it. The Tranquility will move along ok with a double blade, but it otherwise isn't a fast boat. The Magic doesn't really like a double blade, at least not as much as a Tranquility, but it doesn't need one either. As is always said, paddle (with a load, for at least thirty minutes) before you buy.
 
06/05/2014 12:43PM  
I have a wilderness and love it, I'm 5'7 165 I have to add about 30# and then it travels better, mines tuffweave 43#, next one will be a lighter one.
 
06/05/2014 01:30PM  
Jim, if you do call Rutabaga to set up some test paddling, take similar packs and load you anticipate using, your paddle of choice and PFD. That eliminates a lot of personal variables.

butthead

PS: Near Madison camping at New Glarus Woods, smaller older campground on Sugar River State Bike Trail, and directly across the road from the new New Glarus Brewery. bh
 
OldGreyGoose
distinguished member(1757)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/05/2014 03:05PM  
I am 5'11" and weigh about 167. I keep my gear in two packs that weigh about 30# and 35#. (So we are talking about similar loads.)

If I were to buy a solo, my choice(s) would be: #1-Wenonah Encounter, #2-SR Tranquility, #3-Wenonah Prism. (I have tripped with all 3.)

I own a SR 16' and paddling it solo is no comparison to any of the above! (I also paddled a Swift solo -- Osprey? -- and hated it.)

My two cents worth.

--Goose
 
06/05/2014 08:47PM  
quote billconner: "
quote jcavenagh: "Well, it sure is much easier when the consensus brings me down to 2 or 3 boats. I did look over the SR solo and my impression was that it looked pretty wide. I've seen the Bell Magic solo on the water and I think it may be a good fit for me. I have not ever seen a Wenonah Wilderness. Maybe I can find an outfitter who may let me take one for an afternoon test??"



The Q16 or the Tranquility? 16 is definitely wide but I don't think the Tranq width is much different than many popular solos. Definitely a Rodney Dangerfield of solos."

I may have been looking at a Q16. It seemed fat in the middle compared to the Magic I saw.
 
06/05/2014 09:07PM  
quote jcavenagh: "
quote billconner: "
quote jcavenagh: "Well, it sure is much easier when the consensus brings me down to 2 or 3 boats. I did look over the SR solo and my impression was that it looked pretty wide. I've seen the Bell Magic solo on the water and I think it may be a good fit for me. I have not ever seen a Wenonah Wilderness. Maybe I can find an outfitter who may let me take one for an afternoon test??"




The Q16 or the Tranquility? 16 is definitely wide but I don't think the Tranq width is much different than many popular solos. Definitely a Rodney Dangerfield of solos."

I may have been looking at a Q16. It seemed fat in the middle compared to the Magic I saw."

very fat
 
jeepgirl
distinguished member (436)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/06/2014 06:57AM  
I just got a Magic. Within an hour of being on the water, I was in love with the Magic. I paddle it with a kayak paddle and it does great. I never test paddled a boat and was torn between a Magic and a Wilderness. I have always liked the look of the Magic and ended up getting one. Only my Magic has a Wenonah tractor seat in it. Some might think that is not a good thing to do but it is working for me. I can still kneel in the Magic if I need to.
I read that the Tranquility is a barge and not a good solo. But there are people out there that love them.
 
06/06/2014 11:10AM  
Jim,

I don't know what your budget is, whether you're looking for new or used, how far you're willing to travel or have it shipped/transported, but...

I'm slightly smaller, my load is a little heavier, all total pretty close to the same as yours. I am not an expert paddler, nor highly experienced, but I have rented/paddled the following:

SR Q 16 - my least favorite. It seemed like a small tandem converted to a very large solo. Lots of capacity, way more than I needed. That left a lot of canoe to be pushed around by wind, high shear line. Fat is a word that applies. Possibly the perfect canoe for an NFL offensive lineman with comfort camp gear and a keg ;).

Next Wenonah Prism - OK

Bell Rockstar - OK, better than Prism, it seems like it would be similar to a Wenonah Wilderness, although I have not paddled a Wilderness.

Finally, Bell Magic, my preference of the ones I have paddled. Fairly high length to width ratio. Fairly low shear line, less affected by wind. Fast.

I f I were buying, I'd look to the advice of others who have paddled a lot more - like Hans, Yellowcanoe, and others and try out there suggestions too.

If you decide to drive over to get one of those Savage Rivers, shoot me an email. You'll probably drive by a few miles from my home on your way :). Oakland's not real far from here either.
 
yellowcanoe
distinguished member(4984)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/06/2014 12:27PM  
If I were looking for a solo and wanted to try I'd be on my way to the Western Pennsylvania Solo Canoe Rendezvous right now!

Yep I forgot to post it. But its probably too far from many.

For those in Ohio and PA, drop by. Its free. Unfortunately its on right how!



Its an annual event

Its a chance to try some brands that might be new to you.
 
06/06/2014 12:30PM  
The SR Q16 is a tandem, only change I noticed is a single seat in center. It can work, just not as much fun as a dedicated solo canoe.

butthead
 
06/06/2014 01:10PM  
yc - I can't get away to PA.
I am looking to buy used and am willing to travel for a weekend to get the boat, say 5-600 miles.
The Magic definitely is the favorite, but if a Prism or similar boat is priced right then I go that route.
I really want a UL boat in Kevlar or composite.
For as much money as I'm going to spend, I want to do it as close to right the first time around...but things change...
 
JJ396
distinguished member (212)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/06/2014 05:26PM  
If you come up to madison, you may want to try Carl's Paddlin' in Lone Rock. He has a lot of used canoes. Call him to see what he has.
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/06/2014 06:23PM  
I think looking for a used boat is a good game plan. Not such a big worry then. If it turns out you don't like the the boat you can almost always resell it for the same price and you're that much wiser about what you do/don't like.

And if you're itching for a solo right now it allows you to pick something up that's a really good deal even though it might not be your dream boat. But it will give you something to paddle and get a feel for while you wait for "Mrs. Right" to come along.

I'm a big fan of buying used and keeping the turnover rate high until you really know what you like. I was up to 16 boats at one point. I counted the other day and I'm down the 5 now. I think I could get it down to 4 but that would involve buying one and selling two.

Alan

 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/06/2014 06:29PM  
And though it's a long drive if you ever wanted to visit scenic NW Iowa (Estherville) you're welcome to paddle anything I've got. Magic, Osprey, and Jensen WWC1 along with a couple tandems. If you really fell in love with the WWC1 I might even let you take it home for a song....it's ugly though. That goes for anyone else following along too.

Nothing I find much more fun than hauling a whole bunch of boats to the lake and paddling them back to back.

Alan
 
06/06/2014 09:02PM  
For me, 16 boats = eating cold soup in a studio walk-up and paying alimony...:)
But I really appreciate all the constructive help. I have almost immediately limited my search.

I thought I wanted something smaller, but I now understand the value of a longer boat.

I have thought a lot about where I would use this boat. Longer trips up north, 7-10 days and weekenders on the rivers on IL, WI, IN. I am more of a traveler than a fisherman so I want a boat that will cover miles more easily. Given my current skill level, I think a boat that tracks better and turns a bit less easily will fit me better.

And I have to stay light. I have been working hard the past couple years since I started hiking again to reduce my pack size and weight. The weight reduction has improved my experience on the trail. I know that will translate well into solo canoeing.

You folks have been so helpful so quickly that I am really taken aback. I know I shouldn't be because I seen have you all do this before for other folks. But being the recipient of so much assistance really makes me feel I can do this and succeed.

Madison is definitely a town I have to visit. I will contact Rutabaga and Carls Paddlin. I will look for the campgrounds on the Sugar River Bike Trail and have an overall excellent weekend!

The journey really is the destination...
 
06/06/2014 09:16PM  
Oh and BTW...this considerate help comes at particularly trying time for me personally as I am dealing with some family issues that are kind of sapping me emotionally. But this little extra pick-me-up has been a blessing. Thanks everyone for doing something more than you thought you were doing.
 
06/07/2014 07:28AM  
Hang in there. I can empathize with the emotionally sapping family issues; I so need my BW trip this year. Unfortunately, it is still 3 months away.
 
06/09/2014 10:39AM  
I am a stocky 5'7" 165. I have always been partial to the look and feel of the Bell canoes. So when it came time to pick a solo canoe to purchase I assumed I'd end up with a Magic. I rented one for a a short 4 day BWCA trip with two friends (who used my Northwind). I was surprised at how tippy and unstable I felt some of the time. On flat water I was fine, but with even relatively small waves, there were several instances where I quickly lost my center and nearly capsized. It is defiantly an efficient boat and maybe with more time I'd have gotten used to the feel. End of story I ended up purchasing a Wenonah Wilderness and have been extremely happy with it. I feel a wider range of stability, but I don't think it is as fast as the magic, but is more stable for me, and a little bit easier to turn.

Either way, I hope you enjoy test paddling several canoes an your way to a decision.
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/09/2014 12:23PM  
Magic was my first solo canoe. Only paddled tandem alumacrafts and kayaks up until then. I tipped it over in calm water on one of my very first paddles with it. Still don't quite know how I managed that.

But it didn't take long until I felt comfortable in it and since then I've paddled some boats with much, much less stability (racing hulls). The Magic feels rock solid to me now and although I don't make a habit of it I'll stand up from time to time. Which would probably get easier the more you did it.

I've been in some big waves both while tripping and just taking local day trips and have never had a problem. The worst were when I was over a shallow water point and a big boat went by. Just a regular boat wake, no problem.....that is until the wave hit the shallows and got really big really fast. I was sitting there fishing and had no time to grab the paddle and turn into the wave so had to take it broadside. Seeing it come I didn't give myself great odds but we got through it just fine. Although it might feel a little squirrely the rounded bottom that makes it feel less stable is a big benefit in waves when taking them broadside. A flat bottomed boat has no choice but to take the same angle as the wave face. A rounder bottom can roll to help stay more upright.

Alan
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/09/2014 07:34PM  
Your new boat just showed up on CL:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/4511917840.html

Alan
 
06/09/2014 07:41PM  
quote Alan Gage: "Your new boat just showed up on CL:


http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/4511917840.html


Alan"

link. i should buy it as a spare hell of a deal, if as advertised.
 
06/09/2014 07:45PM  
Thanks...I replied...I think.
I have never used craigslist, so I am not sure my reply went to the correct place.
 
06/09/2014 08:05PM  
quote kanoes: "
quote Alan Gage: "Your new boat just showed up on CL:



http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/4511917840.html



Alan"

link. i should buy it as a spare hell of a deal, if as advertised."


Yes it is!
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/09/2014 08:59PM  
quote jcavenagh: "Thanks...I replied...I think.
I have never used craigslist, so I am not sure my reply went to the correct place."


I just copy and paste that goofy looking e-mail address they give you. Never tried the web based e-mail links they provide but I just did for fun and it looks like that works as well.

Best of luck,

Alan
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/09/2014 10:06PM  
West coast black gold

I'll be out that way in a month.....if you ask real nice I could probably haul it back with me.

Alan
 
06/10/2014 10:54AM  
The craiglist reply went thru...I'm pretty far back in line. Owner is taking offers in the order he receives emails. That is a fair way to do it...

I saw that west coast magic last week, but thought it was just too far away. But if you bring a magic back from the west coast I'll come out to your place ... Otherwise, I will look at the Ely/Grand Marais outfitters at the end of the season and see what they have.
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/10/2014 11:30AM  
Usually CL sellers sell to the first person who shows up with the money. While it can be frustrating if you can't get free to pick it up for a few days I can see why they do it that way. Someone says he'll take it so you hold the boat. Then he backs out 3 days later. In the mean time you've turned away 6 other buyers.

If your schedule permits I'd be tempted to drop him a line and tell him you'll be there tonight with whatever your best offer is. If I can't make it there right away I try and get them to let me make at least a partial paypal payment. That way they've already got some of my money so they know I'll show up. But more than likely someone will have given him a good offer before you can get there.

I'm serious about bringing that boat back from the west coast. I'll be there middle of July. But you've got to negotiate the price, get them paid, and talk them into holding it that long. If I have to do that work I'd keep it for myself and sell my kevlar Magic when I got back. Or more likely I wouldn't go to the trouble and just keep mine and leave that one out west.

Alan
 
06/10/2014 03:57PM  
Alan - I appreciate the offer, but I can't spend $1000 or more sight unseen on the Vancouver boat.

As for the boat in the TC, again, I can't drive up there from Chicago tonight. The seller contacted me and said he has a buyer coming Sat. a.m. and if that byer doesn't take it, he will go to the next person who responded. Seller wasn't specific, but I got the impression that I am maybe 4th or 5th responder to his ad.

MagicPaddler is going to let me paddle some of his boats in a few weeks. He lives about 30 minutes from me and we have paddled and camped together before. He is knowledgeable and experienced with solo boats, so I expect I will know a lot more after we spend a day on the water.

BUT...keep posting if you see a boat you think may fit my needs. Magic, Prism are the top contenders.
Thanks again!
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/10/2014 04:26PM  
Happy hunting and I'll let you know if I magically end up with a second Magic in a few weeks.

Alan
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/10/2014 04:29PM  
Another couple boats you might keep an eye out for would be old Sawyer Shockwaves or DY specials (both Yost designs if I remember correctly). 16-16.5' solos with no rocker. You usually seem them in Goldenglass layup, which is a bit heavy, but they were available in kevlar as well, some with foam cores and quite light.

They should be in the $500-750 range depending on layup and condition.

Alan
 
tonyyarusso
distinguished member(1403)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/10/2014 05:25PM  
14' sounds short to me. That'd be popular for stuff close to home, but another foot or two is nice when actually tripping.

On the whitewater / flatwater note, you'll have to think about what kind of rivers you intend to tackle. You might not be thinking "whitewater", but "rocks" impacts what you'll want to choose, both in terms of materials and amount of rocker.

Personally, I went with a 15'4" Wenonah Wilderness in Royalex. I'm not doing serious whitewater with it, but do take it down tight creeks, so the 1.5" rocker makes it maneuverable enough for that and the Royalex can take some abuse when I screw up. Being a bit shorter, on a solo boat the weight of Royalex isn't bad. (Especially since I came to that from an aluminum tandem...) The Wilderness was one of surprisingly few boats of the type I wanted that came in Royalex (and I'm glad I got it, since the future of Royalex is uncertain, but I can always get a Kevlar later). I also really wanted a "standard" seat, and some things only come with plastic bucket seats. I will second what housty9 that it actually paddles better with a load, like you would have for tripping. If just doing a day paddle, it can feel nicer to toss some water-filled dry bag ballast in.

I also have a similarly 15'6"-ish Cedarboy-built cedar strip Merlin 38 Special (slightly upsized version of Bell Merlin plans), built with zero rocker. That boat is fantastic for open lake water and big rivers like the St. Croix, but I wouldn't take it down the tighter, rockier stuff. It's really hard to turn flat in a creek (but heeling works well), but on an open lake it will track straight into an impressive headwind with minimal effort.

I haven't actually paddled one myself, but the Magic is definitely worth a look. Additionally, I *loved* renting Souris River tandems, so would definitely look at their Tranquility if you have a chance.

So yeah, a lot of the same boats other people mentioned.
 
Go Solo
distinguished member (160)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/10/2014 05:57PM  
I've paddled a good variety of solo canoes.

I have a SR Tranquility and love it. With the utmost respect for Yellow Canoe and his experience, I have no issues maneuvering it. Compared to my friends Prism, mine turns circles around his. Too wide, never have I felt that issue. All this is my opinion, but it's a great boat for me. I also like the Bell boats. Kevlar works for me, I'm not in whitewater or dragging it across pavement....as long as I secure it to the top of the car well.

The best thing is what it appears you're doing. Get out and paddle as many as you can. Load it with the weight you plan on traveling with for a real test. Pick what's best for you. The top end manufacturers aren't making crappy canoes.


 
06/10/2014 06:45PM  
her experience
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/10/2014 10:55PM  
Well, it's on the right side of the mountains......barely:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bell-Magic-16-kevelar-canoe-/181434339122?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3e544f32
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/10/2014 10:58PM  
A Prism a lot closer and at a good price. Was just listed. If you're sleeping....WAKE UP!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wenonah-Kevlar-Prism-Solo-Canoe-Weighs-32-lbs-/321430276995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ad6bccb83

It's fun trying to spend other people's money.

Alan
 
06/11/2014 09:36AM  
A Kevlar boat for $700??...
 
mr.barley
distinguished member(7231)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/11/2014 10:09AM  
Those are some great deals!
 
billconner
distinguished member(8607)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
06/11/2014 01:33PM  
quote yellowcanoe: "Anything in the 15 foot range. I do have one boat I hate simply cause its slow and work to turn. The SR Tranquility solo."


If you hate it so much is it for sale? I'd be very interested.I loved the one I rented.
 
06/11/2014 06:22PM  
bought the Prism...will pick up in a couple days...I think the gunwales need refinishing, but I can do that.
MP-When you get back...I still want to paddle with you and try out your magic...PLEEEESE.
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/11/2014 07:04PM  
Happy to hear that. Tough to go wrong on that deal. I think you'll like it.

Hope you enjoy solo paddling. I love it. It made me a much better paddler. It's nice to be able to control the whole boat rather than just the bow or stern.

Alan
 
06/11/2014 07:34PM  
Congrats on the new ride Jim!
 
06/11/2014 08:41PM  
Thanks, everyone for your help and encouragement! This is the first canoe I have owned...something tells me it won't be the last......
 
06/12/2014 06:40AM  
Enjoy it!
 
06/14/2014 08:29PM  
Just got back with the boat. Gunnels will need refinishing, but otherwise, its a nice boat! Pics when I can!
 
06/14/2014 08:39PM  
So I get home after driving to the South bend IN area and back. Wife says, "Where were you all day?"
I reply, "I went to Indiana to buy a canoe, just like I told you."
She looks at me...you know the look../ and says, "I didn't think you were serious."
I says, "Did I really look like I was joking?"
She says, "Welll...is it a double?"
"Nope."
"O.K. So I don't have to go with you then...."
End of discussion.
:)
Seriously...I didn't think it would end so quickly...
 
06/14/2014 08:44PM  
Oh, and now she wants me to get a SPOT...just so she knows I am alive.
......gear.....it never ends............
 
hobbydog
distinguished member(1973)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/14/2014 09:26PM  
You're all set now.
 
06/14/2014 09:29PM  
quote jcavenagh: "So I get home after driving to the South bend IN area and back. Wife says, "Where were you all day?"
I reply, "I went to Indiana to buy a canoe, just like I told you."
She looks at me...you know the look../ and says, "I didn't think you were serious."
I says, "Did I really look like I was joking?"
She says, "Welll...is it a double?"
"Nope."
"O.K. So I don't have to go with you then...."
End of discussion.
:)
Seriously...I didn't think it would end so quickly..."


So, you really think that's the last you'll ever hear about it...? :)
 
06/15/2014 07:02AM  
"wife buys new car...seems husbund got a canoe...makes sense"
 
06/15/2014 07:23AM  
quote jcavenagh: "Thanks, everyone for your help and encouragement! This is the first canoe I have owned...something tells me it won't be the last......"


Probably right on that one. Words like stable come to mind. Then who gets to stay in the garage and who has to move out questions come. It can get painful. Have fun.
 
06/15/2014 10:19AM  
quote boonie: "
quote jcavenagh: "So I get home after driving to the South bend IN area and back. Wife says, "Where were you all day?"
I reply, "I went to Indiana to buy a canoe, just like I told you."
She looks at me...you know the look../ and says, "I didn't think you were serious."
I says, "Did I really look like I was joking?"
She says, "Welll...is it a double?"
"Nope."
"O.K. So I don't have to go with you then...."
End of discussion.
:)
Seriously...I didn't think it would end so quickly..."



So, you really think that's the last you'll ever hear about it...? :)"

Leave me my little delusional fantasy, will you, please? :)
 
06/15/2014 11:59PM  
Congrats on the new ride Jim! I'm jealous. Looking forward to the pics
 
06/17/2014 06:19AM  
I was reading some of the replies others have posted so I decided to throw in my suggestion, I bought a Savage River Deep Creek solo at canoeacopia this spring and just got back from Ensign lake. I'm a big guy and carry about 80 pds of gear, fully loaded the Dark Lady averaged 3.5 MPH the length of Moose lake against a slight headwind with a yak paddle. Her measurements are, length 16ft 6 inches long,max width 36 inches wide, gunwale width 32 inches wide, height 18/14/17 inches, weight about 32 pds, I had John put in the sliding seat, extra layer of Kevlar, and the wooden gunwales, I got the carbon/kevlar layup. Handles like a dream, turns well, haven't had it in any really rough water , but it handled 6/8 inches white caps with no problems. Very expensive but I don't plan on buying another solo and wanted something that I was happy with and when I'm dead and gone could be handed down to my sons or the wife could sell and have a good time with the money. FRED
 
ZaraSp00k
distinguished member(1470)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/17/2014 08:15AM  
quote jcavenagh: "bought the Prism..."


all the Bell fan boys are crushed :)

I was going to suggest a Prism, but didn't want to start an argument, it's kinda like suggesting someone get a Duluth pack ....
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/17/2014 08:46AM  
quote ZaraSp00k: "
quote jcavenagh: "bought the Prism..."



all the Bell fan boys are crushed :)
"


It's all good. This way he still has something to look forward to....a Magic. :)

Alan
 
06/17/2014 09:16AM  

quote Alan Gage: "
quote ZaraSp00k: "
quote jcavenagh: "bought the Prism..."


all the Bell fan boys are crushed :)"


It's all good. This way he still has something to look forward to....a Magic. :)

Alan"


Hard to go wrong with either a Prism or a Magic. Both are decent "Canoe Country" solo trippers IMHO, albeit with some notable differences.

Hope you enjoy the new canoe JC!

Hans Solo
 
06/18/2014 09:11AM  
I have not even been able to get it on the water yet.
Been putting a lot of hours in handling some family issues.
Hopefully I'll be able to paddle a bit this weekend.

The price was just too good to pass up. The man I bought it from used to go up the boundary lakes with his grandfather and then his father. He then took his kids up and now those kids are going with their families. He can't use the boat anymore due to some health issues he has, so he sold it. He threw is a removable yoke, removable seat back that he made, a yak paddle and Granite Gear thwart bag.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next