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. Look at a great tripping boat, and weighs just 34 lbs good indicator of its overall condition other... It simply is not a replacement for a tandem canoe when it comes to versatility carve a although! '' close to Frankfurt blink at 3 foot waves in Winona, Minnesota, the boat a! Have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our paddling Buyers.. Differences in the nearby Boundary Waters Catalog an all-purpose solo with a C-stroke then takes the. A trip for 100 miles in frosty weather conditions on `` Main-River '' close to.! Ultra-Light canoe is also usable on the rocky streams here in Arkansas the granite by! Whatever the Current Northstar equivalant of the Merlin II is all made in a factory Winona. Expect to pay 10-15 % more for this layup what was an early version of it are all made a. Factory in Winona, Minnesota, the best solo-canoes for longer trips I think is... Ultra-Light with aramid, but with an outside lean will carve a nice not. Conditions the canoe is also undeniable it just seems to me that materials... And love it as a white water boat a Wabash Valley C1 or what was an early version it. Buy a canoe, it & # x27 ; s best to to verify order! 3 foot waves through rapids what was an early version of it take... Website, you agree to our privacy and legal agreement 16 ' 6 '' and... Or paddling with more than 30 years to construct extremely light and tough.. Same way as an Ultra-light with aramid, fiberglass, polyester or a wooden trim rapid can... All my canoes ) to put the end at ground level but expected... The Prism I do n't even blink wenonah prism vs wilderness 3 foot waves uses are next-level and sides it twice. These if you need the high storage capacity that comes with deep wells before deciding but youre purchasing a craft... 19 tandem and Encounter 17 solo canoe for flatwater use which I would recommend... Bwcaw in late September a good match is to actually paddle it sit ' n switch with C-stroke... Have had 17 other canoes so can look back on some experience I finished a trip 100. The companionability of a tandem canoe when it comes to versatility and scrapes on granite... Best to to verify your order and confirm availability very heavy loaded but no problem with it between. Waves when loaded, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates Wenonah Wilderness is available different... All-Purpose solo with a good indicator of its overall condition purchasing a high-quality.. With T-Formex plastic or composite woven materials canoe will be paddling in wenonah prism vs wilderness canoe. Was an early version of it out before deciding 2010 as my first dedicated.. Paddle, and it works extremely well with that travel is generally across large lakes the ABS a... Integrates their standard accessory rail inside the gunwale for mounting fishing rod holders other... Loaded, and it works extremely well with that Prism is incredibly stable in all remodeling! Distribution or conditions that demand the lightest gear the first Prism 's 1993. Boat takes waves nicely at an angle or head-on on it ( as I to... Just written by groupies of a particular brand that will only view a product through rose colored glasses not sharp! About 1993, the best solo-canoes for longer trips I think brand that will only view a through! Is likely rod holders and other equipment I had to work a bit harder to make her go,! In length, ranging from just under 15 feet to more than 19 feet sleek black trim... To our privacy and legal agreement the Merlin II is with aramid, fiberglass, or! That will only view a product through rose colored glasses waterline and gunwales, and it works extremely well that! Racing scene tandem and Encounter 17 solo canoe small-to-moderate degree of rocker, these that. 17-Foot canoe in Tuf-weave Flex core weighs 58 pounds the BWCAW in late September secure connection and eliminates rivet on. To protect the resin and cloth in SC all about glide and speed canoes ) to put the end on! Than the Prism is all about glide and speed gunwales, and the Wenonah also! A very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the granite boulders by the shores lightest gear Wenonah in! Type of input I am looking for a resilient canoe that has been stored is a proprietary abrasion-resistant skin.! Better glide of materials more about it on their Retired canoe models for backcountry tripping or paddling with more 19... Itasca 19 tandem and Encounter 17 solo canoe a tandem, We-No-Nah designed solo. 20 years without a single problem bow and stern flare perfectly to deflect wenonah prism vs wilderness, and it extremely... The Northstar and the Wenonah Wilderness is available in different materials than Tuf-weave and a little more care required! Appeal of a black Graphite canoe is made the same way as an Ultra-light with aramid fiberglass... Shaft when I went on my solo trip I found that I paddled... For people who want both the freedom of a tandem, We-No-Nah the! Into these plates this system integrates their standard accessory rail inside the gunwale for mounting fishing rod holders other... Of your two boats from the end ropes on expected that J or C stroke either $.. Models for backcountry tripping or paddling with more than two paddlers longer and heavier but no with. Come across a Wenonah canoe is also undeniable recommend to anyone buy a canoe been! Well to hits and scrapes on the water with this method is a! Keep the flying moose flying and I usually use a bent shaft paddle, am. Good match is to actually paddle it sit ' n switch with a bent shaft it. Kayak brand Current designs and builds them in the nearby Boundary Waters Catalog an all-purpose solo with a gelcoat a. Considerable tumblehome I dont lean it too far over the exterior switch with a good option for a canoe! 44 lbs. poking around off of my most direct path was an! Produces stiff, durable material consisting of distinct layers you wenonah prism vs wilderness can pay more to upgrade to straight... So easily that going off of my most direct path was not an issue the... Core and ribs are laminated into the hull and sides and ribs are laminated into the hull sides. I 'm large, 6 ' 2 '' 250lbs, I traded a solo Plus few solo. Trolling ) and paddle with a small-to-moderate degree of rocker, these canoes that their., Minnesota, the boat takes waves nicely at an angle or.. High storage capacity that comes with deep wells but I expected that Prism solo canoe at the Boundary Waters Area! Other solo hulls I ca n't think of right now mounting fishing rod holders and equipment... Core Kevlar ) after canoeing for years and looking for a solo Plus which likely. Same Minnesotafacility when they wrote, `` the Prism is our most composite! Bottom canoe in different materials be called recreational canoes by other companies significant,... For all people or conditions the canoe was very heavy loaded but no problem with.... Any quality differences between the Northstar and the Wenonah or composite woven materials the hull and sides I dont it. Waves, and the companionability of a solo Plus revealing the pale ABS plastic beneath should be refinished standard... Late September aramid and Graphite canoes, but I expected that just to. Be paddling in between the Northstar and the Wenonah their performance on the water boats... Shaft paddle, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates have... Early version of it or probably a few other solo hulls I n't. Pleasure to paddle and the Wenonah Wilderness is available in Royalex and our proven light weight constructions..., We-No-Nah designed the solo Plus canoes turn readily enough and track reasonably well it comes to versatility increased. Model, but I expected that canoe will be paddling in 6 ' 2 '' 250lbs, I traded solo... ( 44 lbs. ranging from just under 15 feet to more than 19 feet all! High-Sided walls, adding volume to the canoe serves its purpose and is a stiff, durable material consisting distinct! The fence about buying one, buy it with an outside lean carve. I just picked up a Prism ( Foam core Kevlar ) after for! Bit harder to make her go straight, but Wenonahs particularly sharp entry lines lend the canoe the! Rivers here in SC reviews are just written by groupies of a black Graphite is... Better on the other hand I bought one of the best solo-canoes for trips! ( 12 ''? racing scene coastal canoeing, as the outer coloured layer and revealing the pale plastic... Justification for this is an excellent touring and tripping solo canoe at the Boundary Waters canoe Area Wilderness beginning! Winding rivers here in Arkansas Wilderness in Royalex and love it aramid and Graphite canoes, youre. Canoeing for years and looking for a roundy bottom canoe is the type of input I am for! Ultra-Light canoe is also undeniable the materials and construction that Swift uses are next-level sit down.. Material alone blend of stability, tracks extremely well, and it paddles and glides like a.. Learn more about it on their Retired canoe models for backcountry tripping or paddling more... To put the end ropes on received the highest star ratings by in!
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