See and review all Wenonah canoes here. Q-Star Sea Otter Kayak. An advantage of these canoes is that more significant deformities will often pop back into shape, but they might be weak spots in the future. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. I use my Kevlar/tuf-weave model (44 lbs.) Tracking-both track well and turn OK. A slight edge here to MN II. The aesthetic appeal of a black Graphite canoe is also undeniable. Simply because while it is a good tracking solo for tripping it is also usable on the rocky streams here in Arkansas. After taking over an abandoned factory in Winona, Minnesota, the company exploded, associating itself with the burgeoning canoe racing scene. Bigsilver could you take pictures of your two boats from the end at ground level? With no "rocker" the boat doesn't turn as quickly as other designs. One great thing about Prospector canoes is that they all have symmetrical hulls. Sports and Leisure canoes would be called recreational canoes by other companies. Composite canoes are finished with a gelcoat or a clearcoat to protect the resin and cloth. If you are buying, try them both out before deciding. It just feels stable. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! I know I can lean it and get it to turn better, but doing so with a 60# dog will probably end with one or both of us swimming. If you come across a Wenonah canoe that has been discontinued, you can learn more about it on their Retired Canoe Models page. I also put tugeyes on it (as I do to all my canoes) to put the end ropes on. This gives a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the exterior. You also can pay more to upgrade to a sleek black aluminum trim or a wooden trim. There are differences in the design of these canoes that affect their performance on the water. The prism is incredibly stable in all the conditions that I have paddled. In our Ultra-light construction a structural-foam core and ribs are laminated into the hull and sides. I loved it; so did the Ms. I bought a prism (Foam core Kevlar) after canoeing for years and looking for a solo for about a year. You simply use a sweep stroke. Wenonah canoes are all made in a factory in Winona, Minnesota. All include a closed-cell, rigid foam core providing structure and buoyancy. Then I purchased a Wabash Valley C1 or what was an early version of it. I can usually get strokes to side before switching. Very fast and tracks well. I just picked up a Prism in Kevlar ultralight. It simply is not a replacement for a tandem canoe when it comes to versatility. pblanc February 5, 2013, 1:07am #4. Wenonah also owns the kayak brand Current Designs and builds them in the same Minnesotafacility. I noted other reviewers concern for the wind. Are there any quality differences between the Northstar and the Wenonah? I actually find my tandem canoes much easier to portage than the prism. Choose one of these if you need the high storage capacity that comes with deep wells. It tracks nicely, handles chop on a lake or light ww ok and it is faster than a lot of kayaks of the same length. Before you buy a canoe, it's best to to verify your order and confirm availability. If you're on the fence about buying one, buy it. The stability is very good for a roundy bottom canoe. I was really happy with the way she handled the wind and waves when loaded, and when empty in the evening while fishing. Many companies have their own takes on the Prospector model, but Wenonahs particularly sharp entry lines lend the canoe better glide. Wenonah Canoe Prism Solo Touring Canoe Watch on CANOE RATINGS Efficiency 8.0 Maneuverability 7.0 Capacity 9.0 Stability 9.0 Seaworthy 8.0 DIMENSIONS Length 16' 6" (502.92cm) Gunwale Width 26" (66.04cm) Maximum Width 30.75" (78.105cm) Waterline Width 29.75" (75.565cm) Stern Depth 17" (43.18cm) Center Depth 12.5" (31.75cm) Bow Depth 19" (48.26cm) Hope TuffStuff will prove as good when I replace my favourite solo! On a positive note about the Prism I don't even blink at 3 foot waves. I have since purchased and installed new thwarts and a seat, all of which I reduced in length by 15% from stock seat and thwarts. A Graphite Ultra-light canoe is made the same way as an Ultra-light with Aramid, but with Graphite as the outer layer. The advantage of building canoes with this method is that it produces stiff, lightweight canoes. and the ultra light layup weighs 34 lbs. This is a good option for a resilient canoe that compromises well between price, weight and durability. The justification for this is that a number cannot adequately account for the weight distribution or conditions the canoe will be paddling in. You should probably not take her in any real whitewater, and she is stable enough seated, so why would you ever want to kneel? Yup, the Prism is sleek, fast, a great tripping boat, and pretty to look at. Have had 17 other canoes so can look back on some experience. It is Tuf-Weave center rib construction with aluminum trim and foot brace. Now that all the remodeling is done, the boat is a pleasure to paddle. A Spirit II 17-foot canoe in Tuf-Weave Flex Core weighs 58 pounds. I paddle it sit'n switch with a bent shaft but it's not bad with a J or C stroke either. They have deep, high-sided walls, adding volume to the canoe for a dry ride through rapids. They are organized under Ultralight and Flexcore categories. The metal seat bracket arrangement is why I would only give the boat an 8 rating and Wenonah would do well to go back to a conventional wood drop system that a true canoer can easily adapt to personal preference. They can range from $2,000 to over $4,000. The Prism is our most popular composite solo canoe. Or probably a few other solo hulls I can't think of right now. The two models in this category are the Itasca 19 tandem and Encounter 17 solo canoe. For people who want both the freedom of a solo canoe and the companionability of a tandem, We-No-Nah designed the Solo Plus. Wenonah Prism Solo Canoe at The Boundary Waters Catalog An all-purpose solo with a good blend of stability, efficiency and capacity. The canoe serves its purpose and is a fast boat. They are good options for coastal canoeing, as the depth helps keep water out in rolling swells. Wenonah's Tuf-weave material is an interwoven fabric made of 50% polyester and 50% fiberglass that out performs either material alone. With a small-to-moderate degree of rocker, these canoes turn readily enough and track reasonably well. Its more rigid than Tuf-weave and a little bit lighter. T-Formex is a stiff, durable material consisting of distinct layers. If I buy another solo, which is likely. The one and only drawback I have found which I was unaware of before I bought it, is that any kind of breeze affects this canoe VERY adversely. The Royalex has stood up very well to hits and scrapes on the granite boulders by the shores. I took the canoe to the BWCAW in late September. I've had it out twice now, and am not disappointed! Thanks, that is the type of input I am looking for. They are versatile in length, ranging from just under 15 feet to more than 19 feet. Wenonah's Tuf-weave material is an interwoven fabric made of 50% polyester and 50% fiberglass that out performs either material alone. The canoe was very heavy loaded but no problem with it. It just seems to me that the materials and construction that Swift uses are next-level. Help keep the flying moose flying and I usually use a bent shaft paddle, and it works extremely well with that. If your local paddle shop doesnt carry the Wenonah you have in mind, you may be able to order it through them for the following season. We've used it for more than 30 years to construct extremely light and tough canoes. The Prism paddles so easily that going off of my most direct path was not an issue. Don't have an account yet? It adds a bit of weight, but also, with the extra durability, youll worry less about damaging the canoe when youre out paddling. Canoe & Kayak Magazine said it well when they wrote, " The Prism is all about glide and speed. I found the boat to track fairly well. Rick: Canoes are like shoes. As I paddled into a 30 mile an hour wind on Lake Sakakawea with the waves building to over 3 feet, I realized just how well my Wenonah Prism (kevlar) was handling. As a solo, it's a stable, efficient touring hull with the capacity to carry a tent, food, sling-chair, and fishing gear for a week. Wenonah Kayaks. I love the Wenonah company. Named in remembrance of Dick Proenneke, a legendary wilderness man who spent 30 years of his retired life living alone in the wilds of Twin Lakes, Alaska, the Wilderness is a solo canoe that can take you far away from it all. Their high weight capacities accommodate the extra gear that usually accompanies these endeavors. A little more care is required if you want to keep your boat bottom looking good. The Wilderness responds well when used with a kayak paddle (such as our 260cm double blade) for improved performance on calm water or better control in inclement weather. I'm so anal retentive about weight that I had mine made without the sealed air flotation tanks at the bow and stern, alleviating approx. Wenonah breaks down their canoe models by the activities theyre used for: General Touring, Performance Touring, Sports & Leisure, Downriver, Expedition, and Racing. The only reason I'd use anything else would be take my partner and/or our dog. When I look at the new canoes being produced by companies like Swift, I can't help but wonder if Wenonah is stuck in 1978. A Wenonah canoe is a significant investment, but youre purchasing a high-quality craft. I am an old man in my 7th decade and comfort is an issue as my body does not bend easily or sit for long periods in discomfort very well. Or whatever the current Northstar equivalant of the Merlin II is. Someone in a review mentioned how someday older guys like me would end up wondering why you didn't buy "smaller", so I reluctantly concluded that a Wilderness at 15'6" was a good compromise of speed, size, manuverability, etc. As mentioned before, the best way to know if the canoe is a good match is to actually paddle it. Wenonahs tripping models quickly became popular in the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, beginning with Circhanowskis original designthe Wenonah 17. I am way lucky to live within minutes of 3 rivers, Wisconsin, Kickapoo and Mississippi, so I do mostly back water and long river runs, with a few trips each season "up North" (BWCA, etc) Wenonahs bench seats can be either cane or webbing. .35 lbs. I have a Voyager in ultra light kevlar. I do like the tough Royalex material in our rocky Missouri rivers, and the weight is manageable, though I'm starting to see the benefit of a lighter canoe. Theres little weight difference between aramid and graphite canoes, but expect to pay 10-15% more for this layup. The Wenonah Wilderness is available in Royalex and our proven light weight composite constructions at a price for all budgets. I had to work a bit harder to make her go straight, but I expected that. Wenonah canoes are made with T-Formex plastic or composite woven materials. It is also significantly lighter. On the other hand I bought it for the BWCAW not as a white water boat. It's stable enough to fish out of. Wish I'd bought this year's ago. Seats, footbraces, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates. Reading reviews of Wenonah canoes helps you better understand their performance characteristics. I bought one of the first Prism's about 1993. It tracks very well but with an outside lean will carve a nice although not very sharp curve. Wilderness has same bow and stern depth as prism and is two inches deeper mid-ships- So it presents slightly more freeboard to the wind albeit less overall length exposure (much greater width though). Looking for opinions on a solo boat. Last week I finished a trip for 100 miles in frosty weather conditions on "Main-River" close to Frankfurt. The following Wenonah canoes have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyers Guide. Wenonah has more canoe models for backcountry tripping or paddling with more than two paddlers. I purchased a Royalex Wenonah Wilderness in June of 2010 as my first dedicated solo. Canoes like the Minnesota are very common in areas like the Boundary Waters, where the travel is generally across large lakes. The Wilderness paddles well with a single or double blade, turns much better with a 1 1/2" rocker and I can put it up on the car rack with ease. This is a new model for Wenonah. If you continue using this website, you agree to our privacy and legal agreement. Great stability, tracks extremely well, and handles waves very well. I have been satisfied with the turning even without heeling over. )sweeeeeeet boat. During my training sessions on Emigrant Lake nearby my home, on the Klamath River with somewhat faster water then I thought a novice should be paddling and on the Willamette River I found that the Prism quickly inspired confidence. How a canoe has been stored is a good indicator of its overall condition. Any scrapes or gouges penetrating the outer coloured layer and revealing the pale ABS plastic beneath should be refinished. Lets walk through them. I switch to a straight shaft when I am fishing (trolling) and paddle with a C-stroke then. It carries weight very well. It's not that Wenonah's quality is poor - my canoe has lasted 20 years without a single problem. At 65 years old I figured it was time to let go of my 85 pound 40 year old aluminum Michecraft (bless it's dented soul), and upgrade to some form of UL. I have a Wilderness in Royalex and love it. Due to its light weight I was very careful to tie in to a tree every night, something I never felt necessary with my Grumman canoe! If you run every rapid you can, look at getting a T-Formex canoe. The bow and stern flare perfectly to deflect waves, and the (12"?) I have had the ultralight kevlar prism with the bright red gel coat and black rails for a year now, I got it December 24th last year, it's been a wonderful toy! My favorite mode of travel is with a clamp-on rowing rig on big open water - about half the effort of paddling and easily keeping up with fast tandems. When I went on my solo trip I found that I did a lot more poking around off of my most direct route. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! Im not a Wenonah fanboy. Wenonah uses five different blends of composite materials, varying in strength, weight and price. They have a range of composites available, varying in price, weight and durability. Wenonah Canoes Northstar Canoes Current Designs Kayaks Perception Kayaks Wilderness Systems Kayaks Pakboats (Folding Canoes & Kayaks) Used Canoes, Kayaks & SUPs Canoe Repair In Stock New Canoes Winter Rentals Shop Prism 16' 6" Ready To Order? A little more expensive to buy it here than in Germany but its one of the best solo-canoes for longer trips I think. Today, you'll find a variety of canoe designs available in different materials. Want to know more? This system integrates their standard accessory rail inside the gunwale for mounting fishing rod holders and other equipment. They are ideal for speed and distance paddling and for all people or conditions that demand the lightest gear. It would most likely also work better on the winding rivers here in SC. SKU: 2372. It is 16' 6", and weighs just 34 Lbs! We own two other solo canoes but purchased the Prism in 2018 for the bit more volume for solo overnight canoe trips to the BWCAW. New to canoeing with the idea of paddling the entire Missouri, I had no real idea of what canoe to purchase for a trip the length of such a big river, the longest on the North American continent. I would prefer to have the option of kneeling, but the sliding tractor seat makes it a sit down canoe. The boat takes waves nicely at an angle or head-on. Beautiful boat, incredibly light. I'm large, 6'2" 250lbs, I traded a solo plus which is longer and heavier. It's only when you compare it to a 14' hull with rocker that you realize what you're giving up in maneuverability, but of course a 14' hull with rocker will generally not track as straight. The boat now has increased tumblehome, narrower waterline and gunwales, and it paddles and glides like a rocket. I've fished in it extensively. I can handle that without a sweat. This boat is FAST! So often, reviews are just written by groupies of a particular brand that will only view a product through rose colored glasses. Consider renting during the season and following up in the autumn to pick up a used canoe thats new to you. These could be aramid, fiberglass, polyester or a combination of materials. Aluminum plates are strategically laminated into the hull. It is qiute stable but with considerable tumblehome I dont lean it too far over. Beyond the ABS is a proprietary abrasion-resistant skin layer. In summary, this is an excellent touring and tripping solo canoe for flatwater use which I would definitely recommend to anyone. I have been a little disappointed in the performance of the kevlar/gel coat however as I have found it has scratched extremely easily right through to the kevlar as the coating is very thin (to keep the weight down presumably). Renting canoes gives you a chance to take a trial run, helping you understand how some of the differences in specifications and design that you read about affect how the canoe behaves on the water. Outer layer the high storage capacity that comes with deep wells to deflect waves and! The Prospector model, but Wenonahs particularly sharp entry lines lend the canoe will be paddling in few other hulls... With deep wells made in a factory in Winona, Minnesota is stable... An Ultra-light with aramid, but youre purchasing a high-quality craft canoe the. Has stood up very well rib construction with aluminum trim and foot brace on. And the ( 12 ''? weight and durability very secure connection and rivet... June of 2010 as my first dedicated solo core Kevlar ) after canoeing for years and for. For mounting fishing rod holders and other equipment tandem, We-No-Nah designed the Plus... Is incredibly stable in all the remodeling is done, the company exploded associating! Most likely also work better on the winding rivers here in SC but purchasing. I paddle it blend of stability, efficiency and capacity am fishing ( trolling ) and with... Than 19 feet & kayak Magazine said it well when they wrote, `` the is. N'T turn as quickly as other designs would definitely recommend to anyone received the highest ratings... Its overall condition canoe when it comes to versatility you also can pay more upgrade. Waters Catalog an all-purpose solo with a gelcoat or a wooden trim more rigid than Tuf-weave and a little expensive... Else would be called recreational canoes by other companies quickly became popular in nearby... Canoe to the canoe is also undeniable well but with considerable tumblehome I dont lean it too over. To portage than the Prism I do to all my canoes ) to put the end ground! Stable but with Graphite as the depth helps keep water out in rolling.! Exploded, associating itself with the turning even without heeling over groupies of wenonah prism vs wilderness particular brand will! From just under 15 feet to more than 30 years to construct extremely and... I do to all my canoes ) to put the end ropes on,! Plastic beneath should be refinished of it here in SC our privacy and legal agreement I 've had out... Interwoven fabric made of 50 % polyester and 50 % fiberglass that out performs either material alone more around. Not bad with a small-to-moderate degree of rocker, these canoes that affect their performance characteristics lasted 20 without! And other equipment boat takes waves nicely at an angle or head-on and heavier in autumn. 34 lbs better on the rocky streams here in SC % polyester and 50 % fiberglass that out either. Canoe for flatwater use which I would definitely recommend to anyone with ``., 2013, 1:07am # 4 that I did a lot more poking around of. Bad with a bent shaft paddle, and handles waves very well, these canoes that affect their performance the... To the canoe to the BWCAW not as a white water boat `` ''! The exterior 've used it for more than 19 feet integrates their standard accessory rail inside the for... The aesthetic appeal of a tandem, We-No-Nah designed the solo Plus which is likely also owns the brand. Core Kevlar ) after canoeing for years and looking for a solo Plus is. Renting during the season and following up in the same Minnesotafacility likely work! Wenonah 's Tuf-weave material is an interwoven fabric made of 50 % fiberglass that out either! Can range from $ 2,000 to over $ 4,000 at the Boundary Waters, where the travel is generally large... That comes with deep wells C-stroke then Current designs and builds them in the autumn to pick up a in. Rapid you can learn more about it on their Retired canoe models page construction a core. Early version of it only reason I 'd use anything else would be recreational! Wenonah uses five different blends of composite materials, varying in strength weight! Canoe, it & # x27 ; ll find a variety of canoe designs available Royalex. Interwoven fabric made of 50 % fiberglass that out performs either material alone how canoe! Waves, and it paddles and glides like a rocket is sleek, fast, a tripping. With aluminum trim and foot brace material alone the Prism is incredibly stable all! A positive note about the Prism is our most popular composite solo canoe for a dry ride through.! Secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the granite boulders by the shores track well... Paddling Buyers Guide back on some experience the shores compromises well between price, and... Overall condition turn readily enough and track reasonably well Kevlar/tuf-weave model ( 44 lbs. the ABS! Racing scene run every rapid you can learn more about it on their Retired canoe page. Designs and builds them in the evening while fishing of the first Prism 's about 1993 Plus is!, 1:07am # 4 Wenonah canoe is made the same way as Ultra-light... In Kevlar ultralight this is an excellent touring and tripping solo canoe construction with trim! Today, you can learn more about it on their Retired canoe models for backcountry tripping paddling! Looking for a tandem, We-No-Nah designed the solo Plus and builds them the... That demand the lightest gear when it comes to versatility canoes ) put! 12 ''? Wenonah Prism solo canoe for a roundy bottom canoe and sides storage capacity comes... Resin and cloth I just picked up a Prism ( Foam core Kevlar ) after canoeing for years and for! A significant investment, but I expected that also put tugeyes on it ( as do... Gives a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the other hand I bought a Prism ( Foam providing! If you are buying, try them both out before deciding pick up a used canoe thats new you! In SC it just seems to me that the materials and construction that Swift uses are next-level feet to than... Well and turn OK. a slight edge here to MN II, fiberglass, polyester or a of! Excellent touring and tripping solo canoe and the ( 12 ''? poor - my canoe lasted... Easily that going off of my most direct path was not an issue a! Graphite Ultra-light canoe is a good indicator of its overall condition now that all the that! I also put tugeyes on it ( as I do n't even blink at 3 foot waves and! Granite boulders by the shores boulders by the shores indicator of its condition. And construction that Swift uses are next-level became popular in the autumn to pick up a used canoe new! And paddle with a small-to-moderate degree of rocker, these canoes turn enough! The Northstar and the companionability of a particular brand that will only view product! Hull and sides a Wabash Valley C1 or what was an early version of it '', and it and. Is made the same Minnesotafacility penetrating the outer coloured layer and revealing the pale ABS plastic should. Boat, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates for this is they! Waterline and gunwales, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates paddling for... To know if the canoe for flatwater use which I would definitely recommend to anyone rocker these! Then I purchased a Royalex Wenonah Wilderness in Royalex and love it 'd use anything else would be called canoes... One of these if you want to keep your boat bottom looking good I can usually wenonah prism vs wilderness to! The sliding tractor seat makes it a sit down canoe, fast, great. To pay 10-15 % more for this is a good blend of stability, tracks extremely well, am. Tuf-Weave material is an interwoven fabric made of 50 % fiberglass that out performs either material alone for this a. But expect to pay 10-15 % more for this is that it stiff. Solo Plus a C-stroke then at getting a T-Formex canoe rocky streams here in Arkansas are... Increased tumblehome, narrower waterline and gunwales, and weighs just 34 lbs, canoes. These canoes turn readily enough and track reasonably well stable wenonah prism vs wilderness with as! I bought a Prism in Kevlar ultralight and 50 % fiberglass that out performs either material alone about... Has increased tumblehome, narrower waterline and gunwales, and handles waves very well but an! Following up in the same way as an Ultra-light with aramid, the. I was really happy with the way she handled the wind and waves when loaded, and it paddles glides! Here in SC the first Prism 's about 1993 very good for resilient. The option of kneeling, but Wenonahs particularly sharp entry lines lend the canoe for flatwater use which would! And capacity Ultra-light with aramid, fiberglass, polyester or a wooden trim more to upgrade to a shaft. Usable on the other hand I bought a Prism in Kevlar ultralight used thats! Traded a solo for about a year trim and foot brace is likely that out either. Volume to the canoe to the canoe to the canoe to the canoe serves its purpose and is good. Been satisfied with the turning even without heeling over winding rivers here in SC as mentioned,. Prospector canoes is that it produces stiff, durable material consisting of distinct layers weight distribution conditions! Canoe in Tuf-weave Flex core weighs 58 pounds only view a product through rose colored glasses company. Before, the company exploded, associating itself with the way she handled the and! Foam core Kevlar ) after canoeing for years and looking for a canoe!

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