I figured this would be a good group to ask; is $800 a fair price for a Royalex Wenonah Wilderness that has seen minimal use? I have read EVERY forum and blog online regarding the pros and cons of the Wilderness and I feel it is the perfect canoe for me, but I haven't been able to find much on value. I have never paddled a Wilderness, so I am a little hesitant about buying it without paddling it. I have only paddled a Prism and I felt big in the prism and a little unstable. I am 38 years old, 5'11" 220lbs, my trips would typically be a week or under, I like to fish and although I like to get places fast, I would prefer stability, maneuverability, and durability over speed and weight. (This may change in 20 years) I have paddled 100's of hours in the BWCA in an alumacraft canoe that weighs like 90lbs so the 47lb Royalex Wilderness should be like a cloud to me. So, to wrap it up, should I be worried about buying this canoe without paddling it? (I know it is an unwritten rule to not do this, but with my experience in a tandem I am hoping I will be fine) And is $800 a fair price? Thanks for any input.

I paid the same $800 for a like new Wenonah Wilderness canoe 3 years ago. Added a foot brace and detachable portage yoke (the kind that attaches to a bench seat). Took it to BWCA two years ago. It was the favorite canoe up there. Also in royalex.

At $800 I would buy it again in a flash. They aren't being made in royalex anymore. If you don't like it, you can get your money back and probably more out of it depending on condition.

One other thought. I too am 5'11" and about 205 lbs (at least that's what I tell my wife). I have paddled a Prism for a week in the BWCA , then two years later my Wilderness. I would never go back to the Prism. Although the Prism is 16'6"" and the Wilderness is 15'4" I found the Wilderness more stable. The Wilderness is 49 lbs in royalex. The Prism is 49 lbs in Tuf flex. So about the same weight unless you get into kevlar or graphite. Also, the Wilderness seemed to be able to carry a lot more packs and gear, probably due to its shape.

That's a good price. I paid $650 for my Royalex Vagabond which was a great price. I wanted a Wilderness, but bought the Vagabond because the price was right. The Wilderness should be a very stable canoe. It is similar to the Vagabond in width, just longer. If you decide not to buy it, let me know. If it's local to the Twin Cities, I may buy it.

I have the Wilderness in royalex and it is a joy to paddle. Stability is a real strong point--I travel with an 80 lb. dog and find no trouble when she shifts her position. I simply have great confidence in my boat and it's ability to handle what the water throws at me when I'm in it.

Thanks for the input everyone. I am going to get it! Hopefully I will be able to pick it up next week.

It would be fun to know how you like it and whether it lived up to the "hype" after you have a chance to put her thru her paces. Good paddling!

I got one too for just a bit more than that. I love it.

I was in the market for a wilderness last year and would have paid that price. As it happened, a prism came by for a good price so I snatched that up instead. Someday I'll add a Wilderness to the fleet.