BWCA Royalex Solo vs Kevlar solo Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
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      Royalex Solo vs Kevlar solo     

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Whatsit
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02/05/2017 04:16PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi
My brother in law owns a wenonah Vagabond Royalex Solo. I was thinking of getting a used one but am not sure about getting royalex. Thought more about getting a Kevlar. He said royalex may be heavier, but will last a lot longer. I was wondering what any of your opinions might be about the subject. Royalex vs kevlar
Thanks
Mike
 
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billconner
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02/05/2017 04:43PM  
If used in only BWCA/Quetico and similar, Kevlar for sure for me. The weight is worth it IMHO. I go a couple times a year in my tandem and I expect the Kevlar canoe to last my life time. Even at higher cost (not much used) and even if I had to replace once which I doubt I will, it's worth all those portage miles with 10 to 15 or so less pounds.
 
Whatsit
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02/05/2017 05:36PM  
quote billconner: "If used in only BWCA/Quetico and similar, Kevlar for sure for me. The weight is worth it IMHO. I go a couple times a year in my tandem and I expect the Kevlar canoe to last my life time. Even at higher cost (not much used) and even if I had to replace once which I doubt I will, it's worth all those portage miles with 10 to 15 or so less pounds."

Good point. The big selling point is $1000 difference. So not sure what to think
 
02/05/2017 05:41PM  
Kevlar is much lighter but also easier to shape and make tight/complex curves with. Kevlar and other composites allow a more efficient hull to be molded. Even the same Vagabond's will paddle differently due to the design limitations of Royalex (which is no longer available in new construction). While Royalex offered what many considered the most durability, composites are easier to repair. Obviously I an no big fan of Royalex, and will not miss the material. If cost is a consideration over weight I'd choose fiberglass construction, more durable than kevlar, cheaper, and as easy to fix.

butthead
 
02/05/2017 07:46PM  
There's a substitute for Royalex coming. That being said. Royal is heavier but works great on shallow rocky areas. It slides very nice over rocks. Whitewater dudes love it.Its great for white water applications. Like what was mentioned it can't be shaped into a "sharp" line like kevlar or fiberglass. Maintenance is low just keep it covered out of the sun. With all that being said I prefer a composite canoe (kevlar, fiberglass). for all my uses. Lighter, better design. I owned a Roylex Vagabond and felt it was sluggish. But I used to own a Advantage as well
 
02/05/2017 08:19PM  
I'm not a whitewater nut but have run a bunch in my Spirit II Tough Weave. Bounced it off lots of rocks, run a bunch of class 2. Scratches and some small gell coat chips is all. I do not think it (e-glass/fiberglass composites), get enough credit for their durability.

butthead
 
Whatsit
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02/05/2017 08:27PM  
A guy I know is offering to sell his Vagabond Royalex Solo for $400 to me. Seems like a great idea and as I said my brother in law has the same. I figure in my two trips already scheduled I'd pay for over 2/3 of that right there over renting from an outfitter. But as I said also above I've never even given royalex a thought before. I always wanted a kevlar, but $400 seems like a great price in my opinion anyways
Not sure what to do
 
IceColdGold
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02/05/2017 11:05PM  
I bought a royalex Vagabond last year and I love it for the local rivers. It's not a fast boat, but it's stable and for what I use it for. I do not need to go fast when I am drifting down a river. It's a good starter canoe and for $400, why not. You can always sell it and get your money back out of it.

I started with the Vagabond, and now I also have a Prism for lakes and tripping.

The Vagabond is 14' and weighs 43 lbs. The Prism is 16' 6" and weighs 34 lbs.

What do you plan to use the canoe for?
 
billconner
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02/06/2017 07:13AM  
quote Whatsit: "A guy I know is offering to sell his Vagabond Royalex Solo for $400 to me. Seems like a great idea and as I said my brother in law has the same. I figure in my two trips already scheduled I'd pay for over 2/3 of that right there over renting from an outfitter. But as I said also above I've never even given royalex a thought before. I always wanted a kevlar, but $400 seems like a great price in my opinion anyways
Not sure what to do"


If in decent condition - useable - buy it. Don't hesitate. You'll be able to sell it for near same so free rental untill you decide to change.
 
02/06/2017 08:26AM  
quote Whatsit: "A guy I know is offering to sell his Vagabond Royalex Solo for $400 to me. Seems like a great idea and as I said my brother in law has the same. I figure in my two trips already scheduled I'd pay for over 2/3 of that right there over renting from an outfitter. But as I said also above I've never even given royalex a thought before. I always wanted a kevlar, but $400 seems like a great price in my opinion anyways
Not sure what to do"


Buy it NOW! That price will never go down, you will be able to recover your investment. Or keep it as a good general use solo.

butthead
 
02/06/2017 08:33AM  
That is a great price. Buy it and have fun.
 
Whatsit
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02/06/2017 09:22AM  
First question was "what will you use it for" the bwca is my plan
Secondly, I'm waiting for my taxes and really hoping it's still available once I get them. Fingers crossed. It's in northern Minnesota currently. I thought the same thing about I could always resell later. It seems in ok condition. It's a 2003.
 
Whatsit
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02/06/2017 09:27AM  
Here's a question for any of you. Any chance one of you would be willing to pick it up and hold it for me until May if it's still available after I get my taxes? As I said it's in northern Minnesota and I'm in Oklahoma. Not coming up until week before Memorial Day. Just wondering
Thanks
Mike
 
Whatsit
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02/06/2017 01:16PM  
Please disregard my last post. That's too much to ask someone. Hope I didn't upset anyone by me asking
Mike
 
02/06/2017 01:26PM  
quote Whatsit: "Please disregard my last post. That's too much to ask someone. Hope I didn't upset anyone by me asking
Mike "


No it's not, I did check my calendar to see if I could. A hand off from me will not be possible at the dates mentioned. Even though I live in SE WI, I do travel to MN regularly (fun not business I'm retired), and considered it!

butthead
 
Whatsit
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02/06/2017 01:38PM  
quote butthead: "
quote Whatsit: "Please disregard my last post. That's too much to ask someone. Hope I didn't upset anyone by me asking
Mike "



No it's not, I did check my calendar to see if I could. A hand off from me will not be possible at the dates mentioned. Even though I live in SE WI, I do travel to MN regularly (fun not business I'm retired), and considered it!


butthead"

:-)
Thanks Butthead
Means a lot.
Mike
 
IceColdGold
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02/07/2017 11:29AM  
Not too much to ask at all. Where is the canoe located?
 
Whatsit
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02/07/2017 12:33PM  
Near Bell Harbor, MN
It's a long drive up there.
Mike
 
IceColdGold
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02/07/2017 12:41PM  
Step one is to buy it, then post a message on "Listening Point - General Discussion" that you need some help picking it up. We have a lot of members and it's very likely that someone can take possession for you.
 
Rambler_Dog
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02/07/2017 01:02PM  
I have a royalex madriver guide. It seems to be the same dimension and shape as the canoe you are buying. I have being paddling bwca with it. It is not as fast as canoes like bell magic. It will take longer to cross a lake. But you will be able turn on a dim and better on the river. You will have to practice your j-stroke. but with little practice, you may not need another solo canoe.
 
02/07/2017 06:41PM  
quote Whatsit: "Near Bell Harbor, MN
It's a long drive up there.
Mike"


I too thought about it Whatsit,
Since I'm in Duluth it was not that unreasonable, and would have given it serious thought, but I will be in Ak when you pick it up, and I cannot ask my wife to do take over my laundry when I am gone.
She does not follow this site at all.

Good Luck
Linden
 
Whatsit
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02/07/2017 07:13PM  
quote LindenTree3: "
quote Whatsit: "Near Bell Harbor, MN
It's a long drive up there.
Mike"



I too thought about it Whatsit,
Since I'm in Duluth it was not that unreasonable, and would have given it serious thought, but I will be in Ak when you pick it up, and I cannot ask my wife to do take over my laundry when I am gone.
She does not follow this site at all.


Good Luck
Linden"

Thanks Linden!
I really appreciate it.
 
Whatsit
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02/07/2017 07:15PM  
Well I bought it.
Attached is a picture
 
02/07/2017 09:22PM  
Congrats on the purchase! Now all you need to do is enjoy it
 
Whatsit
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02/07/2017 09:40PM  
Yes! have at least two bwca trips so far this year.
 
mr.barley
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02/07/2017 11:46PM  
Nothing better than a solo canoe.
 
Whatsit
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02/08/2017 08:17AM  
Any chance any of you looked at the pictures of the canoe? Just wondering if you thought it looked ok or not.
Mike
 
02/08/2017 08:21AM  
Good lookin' canoe!
I see it has been modified. Thick skidplates, seat moved to rear, and center carry thwart in it's place. Find out how you like it's handling and paddling it. Changes and or restoration are easy tasks.

Have a ball with it!

butthead

PS: I have seen several Prisms modified this way by outfitters, it isn't unusual. bh
 
02/08/2017 12:48PM  
Congrats, nice looking canoe. Anything will last long if you take care of it and don't leave it out in the sun, and don't ram it in to rocks when landing on shore. Have a blast paddling and tripping.
 
02/08/2017 03:11PM  
The canoe looks great! I would love to have my seat set back and a middle thwart put in in place. It also looks like it is licensed through 2018, so the sticker is hassle free for the next couple of years.

 
02/11/2017 01:20AM  
Beautiful! You won't regret it. Most of my solo canoes were royalex and were fine for the BWCA. Also, I like what many consider "shorter" canoes. I'd be happy with your purchase.
 
Whatsit
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02/11/2017 09:28AM  
Thanks all! I am like a kid waiting for Christmas morning waiting for this canoe. My brother in law Tim is going to drive up and get it when it's nicer out.
Mike
 
02/14/2017 03:49PM  
Congratulations

SunCatcher
 
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