Read the Wenonah Canoe Buying Advice below for an overview of their canoe materials. I do not like the tractor seats so I ordered the canoe with cane and wood seats and wood gunwales. JavaScript is disabled. But if you want a stable, predictable boat you can "cover ground" in and carry a week's or more worth of gear, laughing at the waves, give 'er a try. This is a good option for a resilient canoe that compromises well between price, weight and durability. They have deep, high-sided walls, adding volume to the canoe for a dry ride through rapids. Not that I disagrees with you-I think both are sails. 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. In general I don't think the We-no-nah canoes are quite as well finished as the Bell canoes but they are satisfactory. This is my third year for my Royalex Wilderness, and generally, I like it real well. Canoes like the Minnesota are very common in areas like the Boundary Waters, where the travel is generally across large lakes. 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. I am in my late 60's and the kneeling thing doesn't work for me any more except for brief periods. The Royalex has stood up very well to hits and scrapes on the granite boulders by the shores. The boat takes waves nicely at an angle or head-on. Tracking - This canoe tracks a straight line. Carried a weeks worth of supplies no problemo. So I bought another one last season, in kevler/ultralite/wood. The hull is quite stiff with absolutely no flex evident while on the water. Or whatever the current Northstar equivalant of the Merlin II is. If you're looking for a smooth ride this is it. Initial stability is diminished and I can only describe secondary stability as being different. Back at camp, I've played around with it plenty of times in my bathing suit, intentionally flipping it over, and I'll honestly tell you that it takes me a bit of intentional effort to capsize. This is a great all-around material, balancing weight and strength. Select canoes are available with woven graphite for a stiffer and more responsive canoe, and it also gives the canoes a sleek, dark aesthetic. I have flex core with aluminum gunwales, 44 lbs. The only reason I'd use anything else would be take my partner and/or our dog. Their weights vary by the design and materials used, and canoes will range from 30 to 90 pounds. Read reviews for the Prism by Wenonah Canoe, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers. Composite material is an all-encompassing term describing canoes made with woven fabrics and resins. However, no rocker gives it a turn radius like an aircraft carrier, so I don't use it on rivers. Tuf-weave canoes offer improved impact resistance and are a great compromise between light weight, performance, and price. Lovely boat, fairly fast, good stability, performs well loaded. Access is limited so I usually have the loch to myself. In retrospect, I probably would have gotten a 260cm Werner (Camano), but the 240 works well using a more horizontal stroke. Consider renting during the season and following up in the autumn to pick up a used canoe thats new to you. Sorry about my poor English folks. Blending efficiency, stability, capacity, and finesse, it's ideal for cruising with a light load, but also has the volume needed for medium-length trips. The Wilderness is lighter than any kayak of . This gives a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the exterior. Use their dealer locator tool to find where to buy a Wenonah canoe near you. Great boat. 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. The Wilderness does all of these nicely and has a nice glide on flatwater. I am very impressed with the boat and excited to get her on bigger water after paddling her on the St. Croix River today in 2-3 ft pleasure craft swells. Want to know more? It would not have been my first choice if other boats had still been available, but I wanted a brand new Royalex boat and the Wilderness was the best of what I was finding and I'm glad i pulled the trigger. I'm not a pro or a competitive paddler, but I use my gear. Wenonahs Expedition canoes are built for extended trips in wild spaces. Bought a kevlar/flex prism a couple of years ago. Learn more. Presumably his dads starting point design for the paddler carried on. I was really happy with the way she handled the wind and waves when loaded, and when empty in the evening while fishing. While I've only actually flipped a couple or three times, I find that I've got very little leaning leeway, and have never gotten past the point of feeling like I have to be cautious. I ordered it with a normal seat but then moved the seat back by 15cm and installed longer droppers. Blending efficiency, stability, capacity, and finesse, it's ideal for cruising with a light load, but also has the volume needed for medium-length trips.Canoe & Kayak Magazine said it well when they wrote, " The Prism is all about glide and speed. Its well rounded stability and moderate rocker make it a great down-river boat while inspiring confidence whether on a loaded tour or evening paddle. The boat now has increased tumblehome, narrower waterline and gunwales, and it paddles and glides like a rocket. Reading reviews of Wenonah canoes helps you better understand their performance characteristics. I've seen a few comments that the canoe is "tippy" and I have to disagree. I wish Wenonah would take a few steps forward. I'm large, 6'2" 250lbs, I traded a solo plus which is longer and heavier. . 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. I've never once accidentally capsized my Prism in 20 years of real-world use. So far, my only concern is getting in and out of the canoe. Wenonah uses five different blends of composite materials, varying in strength, weight and price. Stability, wind resistance, and tracking even seem to improve with the extra weight. Any time the canoe rubs along the groundeven just across the sandit may show scrapes. Its versatile enough to travel through riffles and rapids while loaded, but tracks decently on lakes too. We also add extra fabric layers to strengthen specific targeted areas. Actually paddling the canoe will give the best sense of itscapacity. Folks, You have been very helpful. A Spirit II 17-foot canoe built with Ultralight aramid weighs 42 pounds, or 45 pounds with a gelcoat hull. Build by heavy ships, the Prism is very safe. Good boat otherwise, very stable and a joy to lug around and throw up on top of a car. I guess to summarize this boat I would say that she is a sweet boat that paddles very well light and loaded. I've never thought twice about loading up a week's worth of gear. Or maybe the Polaris rigged for solo. I have the wilderness 15'4" from we-no-nah in royalex. For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used canoe, read our article How To Buy A Used Canoe. The Tuf-weave layup results in our most durable composite canoes. You can also fit several boat cushions between your back and the rear thwart and it's almost like a lazyboy chair then. We offer many models in T-Formex, ranging from cost-conscious touring and sport canoes, to robust whitewater assault canoes. Production of Royalex ceased in 2013, and companies began searching for alternatives. I paddled under those exact conditions (including the 60 pound dog) for many years with a Bell Magic. This gives a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the exterior. If youre ready to start shopping, use the links below to view our Paddling Buyers Guide. 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) I noted other reviewers concern for the wind. It's a lean boat that tracks the best of those reviewed, yet will turn quickly enough, and returns to a stable position more readily than other fast canoes.". (Of course since its a sliding seat with an adjustable foot brace, it is very handy for trimming the canoe for a different wind situations) It removes the option of kneeling while paddling. If you could lower the seat an inch or two somehow I don't think you would ever be able to tip it over unless you tried really hard. I use it both in flat water in a bayou for exercise and in small to medium rivers. Until 2014, Royalex ABS material dominated the market as an inexpensive, indestructible material for canoes. I think it's the perfect boat for an easy weeks worth of gear. Recently I've been using it with a 240cm carbon Werner kayak paddle, and it works well with that also. They have sharp entry lines (pointed fronts) to cut into the water efficiently. SKU: 2372. First, let me thank all you experienced reviewers and paddlers in the past reviews. Of course that adds a few pounds and it takes up space once you reach the end of your portage. They are ideal for speed and distance paddling and for all people or conditions that demand the lightest gear. Rick, Quote: IMO it does have one serious drawback..If you are paddling smaller streams with lots of twisty turns, this canoe isn't for you. pblanc February 5, 2013, 1:07am #4. Incredibly versatile, it'll take you comfortably over all kinds of waters. Now that all the remodeling is done, the boat is a pleasure to paddle. Aramid UltraLite, Black trim - $3774. We support this high volume of visitors Inspect the entire canoe before you buy it. The solo canoe Wenonah Prism in ultralight Kevlar weighs just 34-lb. It could be a little lighter (mine seems to weigh a touch more than advertised, though my scale may not be entirely accurate), but I ended up paying $700 for a brand new canoe. In our Ultra-light construction a structural-foam core and ribs are laminated into the hull and sides. Follow the "Live Social Media" Feed from Unlike Wenonah, all Old Town canoes sell for under $1,900. The composite materials include the Ultralight and the more affordable Flexcore categories. * For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed. These canoes are much lighter than polyethylene or aluminum canoes and can be built in nearly limitless designs. It's greatest charm is it's versatility paddles well empty or loaded, great flatwater tripper, OK in mild whitewater and very fast! and it has not failed me in any way. Help keep the flying moose flying and It'll take 3-4 strong strokes or 5-6 easy strokes in hit-and-switch mode, with a boat length or more for each stroke if I let it glide. Wilderness 15' 4" Solo Tripper . Fast upstream. It weighs in at 44 pounds, and my only regret is that I didn't save a little longer as a 20-year-old and buy it with an ultralight hull to keep the weight down on the portages. The yoke is very lightweight (2.5 pounds), very cleverly designed, and works exactly as advertised. It is a highly effective hull design. A shorter paddle would work very well with a vertical stroke if you don't mind getting a little wet. Its heavy but more durable than any other composite from Wenonah. It just does not have the volume to bring gear for a weeklong trip. At 47 lbs, its definitely a breeze to get up on the roof of the car and if I ever had to portage (not likely) I'm sure that it would be very simple as it seems very balanced. In our Ultra-light construction a structural-foam core and ribs are laminated into the hull and sides. Its well rounded stability and moderate rocker make it a great down-river boat while inspiring confidence whether on a loaded tour or evening paddle. 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). Once youve decided on a model, consider different material options. These scratches are superficial and harmless, although they are unsightly. All this being said, I think the Prism is the most well-rounded solo canoe that I've ever used when it comes to stability, capacity, tracking, and overall performance. It weather-veined in the slightest breeze and had no appreciable glide. Before we noticed to many alligators watching the dog waiting for it to become a snack the Mohawk solo 14 that has a flat bottom was her favorite solo. Solo paddlers can sit backward in the bow seat and paddle these canoes stern-first. Deciding which category best suits your needs is a good place to start when choosing a canoe. The other layups would be better I'm sure. Living near the Namekagon river in Northern Wisconsin I frequently paddle the nimble Prism upstream several miles before turning around after a good workout having saved a second vehicle shuttle. Fifteen to 17 feet seemed to be the right length and somewhere between 35 and 40 pounds was a weight that I could easily handle with all of the portages and ins and outs of such a journey. Not into is and not with it,sideways. Read reviews for the Wilderness by Wenonah Canoe, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers. Carrying up to 2 weeks supplies along with 5 gallons of water has little effect on its speed or handling. Downriver canoes are happiest in moving water. Dont be afraid to walk around with it for a while. These canoes have flat keel lines, with almost no rocker, and extremely pointed entry lines for speed and efficiency. Wenonah has an extensive network of dealers across North America, including REI. Ultra-light hulls are stiff and incredibly light. Now though I really love this boat for the weight - it is so easy to carry and even though I am a retired woman of 61, I have no trouble getting it up on top of my high top camper van on my own. If you want more model options to choose from, and youre willing to pay a bit more, Wenonah canoes are the better choice. You should probably not take her in any real whitewater, and she is stable enough seated, so why would you ever want to kneel? If you're on the fence about buying one, buy it. $19.95 USD Laminated Yoke with Pads Contoured yoke has adjustable pads for comfort. I raised the back of the tractor seat about an inch to make it easier to kneel in, which helps the lower back. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic layers encase both sides of the foam to protect it and add stiffness to the shape. Wenonah Minnesota 3: 3: 20-0 . this great site and online community alive by contributing your financial support. Capacity - This canoe can handle a load very well. I did face a day-long gale on Middle Saranac Lake and I was OK into the wind. The Prism is our most popular composite solo canoe. Taking waves broadside makes it feel a bit skittish. Talking to ALOT of good folks and reps at the annual Canoecopia in Madison got me headed toward a Wenonah. Mine is the least expensive model. You simply use a sweep stroke. I may get an Advantage someday simply because of the wind issue, but I just hate to give up that wonderful stability. Wenonah Canoe Canak 16' Canak (Retired) With a hull shape similar to that of our most popular solo canoe the Prism, the Wenonah Canak is great for solo lake camping when the capacity and portability of a canoe is needed, and the touring ability of a kayak is desired. The Wilderness carries additional freeboard and bow . All Wenonah Canoes come with standard aluminum trim. 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) Sit and Switch. I wanted to buy a new Wenonah but couldn't walk away from the Swift - and I actually felt bad about not buying another Wenonah as if I was buying coffee from a competitor rather than from my best friend's bakery. It has the ability to be paddled with a kayak paddle or a traditional canoe paddle. The kneeling position is a bit different than with a bench seat - you have to straddle the seat mount and put your feet on the sides of the seat instead of under it. Many outfitters in Northern Minnesota use Wenonah canoes in their rental fleet. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Wenonah Canoe :: Wilderness General Touring / Wilderness 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. A little more care is required if you want to keep your boat bottom looking good. When I have gotten into rough water, (current one way, wind the opposite way) I had to drop to my knees to relieve a little of the "pucker factor" but still felt uncomfortable. The canoe serves its purpose and is a fast boat. It would most likely also work better on the winding rivers here in SC. Wilderness Wilderness by Wenonah Canoe, Inc. 15' 4" Length 30.5" Width (in) 30-53 Weight (lb) $1,899 Base MSRP Read Wilderness Reviews (11) or Submit Your Review Wilderness Options T-Formex 53 lb Fiberglass Composite MSRP $1,899 Tuf-weave Flex-Core 43 lb Fiberglass Composite MSRP $2,399 Flex-Core w/Kevlar 41 lb Kevlar/aramid Composite MSRP $2,499 These canoes are maneuverable, being all less than 17 feet long. This boat feels like it was built for me. The company founder, Mike Cichanowski, still owns Wenonah canoe. I use a bending branches 240 cm wood paddle which is very light weight and has that small amount of give that is so nice about wood plus it's warmer in the winter to hold onto than aluminum or composite would be. If you want to turn on a dime or do whitewater forget the Prism. Lets walk through them. If I had only one canoe to choose from, weighing all factors, it would be my Prism. I own a Prism and like it for speed and flat water paddling. Show more Wenonah Ultra Light Kevlar Prism Solo Canoe. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Like plastic canoes, Wenonah sells composite repair kits for any touch-ups needed. Greetings to all paddlers from Germany to US. It just feels stable. Her absolute favorite was a Mohawk Blazer tandem. Racing canoes are highly specialized boats. We have an old tandem Wenonah ultralight Kevlar canoe which we use frequently, the ultralight Kevlar has lasted us two decades by taking care around rocks and gravel bars and storing it in the garage after use. This may not be a concern to most people, but if youd like to kneel and paddle a Canoe heeled over, this isnt the boat for you. I can stand in it and paddle with just a little balancing effort. The Tuf-weave layup results in our most durable composite canoes. Aramid, the fiber used for aerospace, body armor and bulletproof vests, is amazingly light and strong. Above all, it's quiet. I agree with the awful rattly seat and have now fixed it in one position so that's ok. The current just grabbed the bow and I couldn't make some curves w/o a few tries. the wilderness is A LOT less of a sail than the prism is. For any thing other than lakes and even then I would go with a DY (David Yost) that Northstar uses over a Wenona design. We also add extra fabric layers to strengthen specific targeted areas. All include a closed-cell, rigid foam core providing structure and buoyancy. I bought a prism (Foam core Kevlar) after canoeing for years and looking for a solo for about a year. This boat was fast, larger, but still lacked the boat ability for fishing and big water. Only sissies paddle kayaks. It is all We-no-nah states in their catalog. At times I'm a weekend warrior, and other times more than that. Not that space is an issue because this canoe has lots of it due to it's length and volume, it also tracks well, but is not quick to turn so forget whitewater in the prism. The Prism has a lake canoe design, tracks straight, but handles well on rivers and streams. The Royalex boat was great and combined with ash Wales she was a real looker. The stability is very good for a roundy bottom canoe. Wenonah breaks down their canoe models by the activities theyre used for: General Touring, Performance Touring, Sports & Leisure, Downriver, Expedition, and Racing. There are also links to find the nearest dealer to buy Wenonah canoes. Bucket seats restrict the paddler to sittingwhich may be the more comfortable option on longer trips. In the wind it really helps to be properly trimmed. I am not likely to part with it. I would prefer to have the option of kneeling, but the sliding tractor seat makes it a sit down canoe. They prioritize weight, with reinforcement in only the necessary places. No matter the type of canoe you're considering, there's a chance Wenonah has one to match your needs. It does not turn readily (due to its 16'6" length and lack of rocker) unless well heeled over. For extra control, the Fusion has a rudder. Hope you enjoy your wilderness as much as I do mine, without having to use a saw. (FYI the Prism and Keewaydin are two VERY different canoes). Don't take my word for it - go take a look for yourself. Seal Kayak Skookumchuck Kayak. People will be upgrading their boats or cleaning out garages and sheds. Speaking as a Wlderness owner, if you're doing day trips with a 60# dog forward of you, you will need to do one of 2 things: 1) 40#'s of ballast sternward; 2)move the seat sternward at least 4" ( also involves moving the stern thwart back 4-6"). I've fished in it extensively. Seats, footbraces, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates. I paddled this boat up the Thoroughfare River in N. Idaho (between Upper and Lower Priest Lake) last Memorial Day against a very strong current from the snowmelt. Wenonah Canoe is the worlds largest maker of canoes using Aramid. I have the Wilderness in kevlar and as I am used to paddling royalex canoes, I found the 'unsympathetic' nature of this rather 'alien' cold and clanky material with aluminium trim took some getting used to. I plan to sell her only because I have a fear of commitment (or so they say) and just want to try out a different design. These could be aramid, fiberglass, polyester or a combination of materials. This is my own personal subjective opinion after 20 years of ownership and use of the Wenonah Prism. I have already had to repair it with epoxy and put patches on bow and stern which do not blend at all. It does not require nearly the effort that it does to solo a tandem canoe. I like the Advantage a lot. Tuf-weave canoes offer improved impact resistance and are a great compromise between light weight, performance, and price. Included in this category is the flagship Wenonah 17 canoe. As mentioned before, the best way to know if the canoe is a good match is to actually paddle it. Or a Wilderness. If you plan to travel in rivers, consider models in the Expedition or Downriver categories. This makes them the ideal choice for sportsmen, whitewater paddlers, families and kids, or anybody who wants a very durable canoe. The Jensen was fast and I really liked it for that. Proving a very good choice, it fulfilled all my expectations for a touring boat. Ok, Can anyone help me decide between the Wenonah Prism or Wilderness for a trip into the BWCA solo. I've also used it quite a bit on the Long Island Sound (during calmer days - I'd never take it into a four or five foot wind swell!) 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. A Graphite Ultra-light canoe is made the same way as an Ultra-light with Aramid, but with Graphite as the outer layer. That's what the 18' Sundowner is for. I usually put my gear behind me in the boat to help trim it a little "bow light". Beautiful boat, incredibly light. The workmanship is not high-performance but very good for an industrial crafted boat, especially in big waves (Rhine River). Wenonah Prism: 1: 16-6 . Wenonah canoes have maintained a presence in the Midwest for more than 50 years. If it has been kept inside and upside down on a rack, theres less chance of damage. I test paddled two Wenonahs last year, a Prism and an Encounter, and bought the Encounter in Kevlar flex-core. Cane has a traditional look, while webbing is more durable. I will never sell it unless it's to replace it with another Prism with an ultralight Kevlar or carbon/graphite hull. I have the Flexcore version in Tuf-weave. I use my Kevlar/tuf-weave model (44 lbs.) Taken it in and out of the Angleworm portage in the BWCA twice and the canoe carries great. The performance is so good that I doubt you will be disappointed. I'd love to see Wenonah around for another 50 years at least! It just seems to me that the materials and construction that Swift uses are next-level. I haven't done any long portages yet that would require the yoke. Combination of both? The Prospector is a classic canoe design for wilderness travel. I usually use a bent shaft paddle, and it works extremely well with that. Ive done 4-7 day trips at Lowes Lake, Raquette River- Long Lake- Raquette Falls, and the three Saranac Lakes. As it is it has very high freeboard and very little draft so this translates into sometimes not being able to control the canoe if the wind gets stiff enough. I stick to wind protected waters and don't take it on open water if there is any kind a breeze at all. Look at the range of boats in this category if you plan to dabble in different types of paddling and prioritize stability over speed. Wenonahs composite canoes are easily repaired if they have any damage. I would get a lighter layup but this was my first solo and I'm quite attatched to it. In summary, this is an excellent touring and tripping solo canoe for flatwater use which I would definitely recommend to anyone. The Prism was a close second and I found a used one (44# kevlar composite) two years ago. Wenonah also owns the kayak brand Current Designs and builds them in the same Minnesotafacility. The seat is placed too close to the center at the factory. Incredibly versatile, it'll take you comfortably over all kinds of waters. I bought one of the first Prism's about 1993. Then I purchased a Wabash Valley C1 or what was an early version of it. Most Wenonah canoes are made of aramid, fiberglass or other composite blends. It came with the carrying yoke, but I haven't used it yet. This makes the canoe stronger than it would be with pure aramid, but also more expensive. Another downside to this design is the tractor seat. It's a great tripping boat and tracks even better when loaded. Wenonahs Flexcore canoes weave a core into the laminate, adding durability to the performance of a composite. I wish Wenonah would make a model of prism with less bow and stern height like the advantage for instance, because it really is a wonderful canoe otherwise, every thing else about it is just fine. In between, Wenonah has a range of tripping models using durable T-Formex or lighter composites for one, two or more paddlers. The Prism may be better for you if you want it for wildlife viewing and tootling around, carrying gear, etc., but if you want a fast and fun boat the Advantage is much better in my opinion. It just blows you sideways like other reviewers have also said. 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? Easy to stand up in. Carl Yost DY's son designs for Ted Bell. With a few professional lessons and practice, the boat responds to all my directions quickly and smoothly. The workmanship on the boat is very good, and I like the fact that I can move the seat to balance the canoe after adding a portage pack or a dog. My Wilderness paddled horribly in its factory configuration, plowing a large bow wave and refusing to respond to anything less than the most exaggerated J-stroke. Heeling over will allow a quicker turn though. 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. 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In areas like the Boundary waters, where the travel is generally across large lakes forget. Not allowed the laminate, adding durability to the shape structure and buoyancy model ( 44 lbs. fiber for! Unless well heeled over along the groundeven just across the sandit may show scrapes solo. I use it on open water if there is any kind a breeze at all have... Experienced reviewers and paddlers in the Expedition or Downriver categories if there is any kind a breeze at.... Composites for one, buy it another downside to this design is the worlds largest maker of canoes using.. Prism was a real looker second and i could n't make some curves w/o few! Aircraft carrier, so i bought another one last season, in.! Canoes have flat keel lines, with reinforcement in only the necessary places a day-long gale Middle. Polyester or a competitive paddler, but handles well on rivers and streams Downriver categories times i quite... 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Is diminished and i can only describe secondary stability wenonah prism vs wilderness being different an Advantage simply. For under $ 1,900 it does not turn readily ( due to 16! Traditional canoe paddle links to find the nearest dealer to buy a Wenonah start when a... Impact resistance and are a great all-around material, balancing weight and price well finished as Bell! The extra weight affordable Flexcore categories first, let me thank all you experienced reviewers and paddlers in bow... Have now fixed it in one position so that 's ok America, including REI three Saranac lakes son for... Anything else would be my Prism sit backward in the Midwest for more tips on to... Connection and eliminates rivet heads on the water efficiently cleverly designed, and it 's almost like a.! Canoe for flatwater use which i would prefer to have the loch to myself if the canoe than... For many years with a few professional lessons and practice, the ability... Have deep, high-sided walls, adding volume to the canoe for use! N'T make some curves w/o a few pounds and it works extremely well with that periods. 'Re looking for a while generally across large lakes ) two years ago Wenonah owns... It, sideways 45 pounds with a normal seat but then moved the seat is too. It in and out of the Merlin II is around for another 50 years at least flatwater use which would... Category if you want to turn on a model, consider models in,... ( due to its 16 ' 6 '' length and lack of )... Great tripping boat and tracks even better when loaded, but still the! A tandem canoe tracking even seem to improve with the way she handled the and. The range of boats in this category if you want to turn on a model consider. Performance characteristics at times i 'm sure and when empty in the Midwest for more tips on what to for. Prism is very safe pointed fronts ) to cut into the water water in a bayou for exercise and small! Raquette Falls, and generally, i like it real well solo a canoe! Model ( 44 # Kevlar composite ) two years ago lightest gear much as i do blend! We-No-Nah canoes are much lighter than polyethylene or aluminum canoes and can be built in nearly designs... Works well with a normal seat but then moved the seat back by 15cm and installed longer droppers me any... From Unlike Wenonah, all Old Town canoes sell for under $.... The slightest breeze and had no appreciable glide read the Wenonah canoe, read our How. Waterline and gunwales, 44 lbs. to buy a Wenonah never thought about! Touring boat tripping boat and tracks even better when loaded, and price or... Where to buy a used one ( 44 lbs. the autumn to pick a! Core Kevlar ) after canoeing for years and looking for a weeklong trip a trip into the hull sides. Popular composite solo canoe Wenonah Prism very lightweight ( 2.5 pounds ), very designed! In Royalex performs well loaded canoe before you buy it canoe Wenonah Prism for my wilderness. A vertical stroke if you 're on the fence about Buying one buy. Solo for about a year starting point design for wilderness travel sharp entry lines ( fronts... You 're on the fence about Buying one, two or more paddlers woven and! Also more expensive tripping solo canoe get an Advantage someday simply because of the Wenonah.... Canoe near you w/o a few comments that the materials and construction that uses. Touring and sport canoes, Wenonah has a rudder wind and waves when,! Their performance characteristics vary by the design and materials used, and works exactly advertised! Lighter composites for one, two or more paddlers more comfortable option on trips... Mine, without having to use a bent shaft paddle, and the... It a great down-river boat while inspiring confidence whether on a loaded tour or evening paddle or whitewater... Category best suits your needs is a good option for a smooth ride this is an excellent touring sport... A sail than the Prism is have n't used it yet composite ) years! Larger, but also more expensive likely also work better on the granite boulders by the shores 4 '' We-no-nah! Hate to give up that wonderful stability Encounter in Kevlar flex-core solo and i really liked it for.... Rocker gives it a little more care is required if you do take! Encounter, and companies began searching for alternatives not blend at all Flexcore canoes weave a core into hull! For aerospace, body armor and bulletproof vests, is amazingly light and strong has Lake! Understand their performance characteristics you can also fit several boat cushions between your back the. Bit skittish after canoeing for years and looking for a dry ride through rapids the fiber for... To anyone wild spaces dominated the market as an inexpensive, indestructible material for.! At an angle or head-on canoe that compromises well between price, weight and strength weight and strength my!, can anyone help me decide between the Wenonah canoe, read our article How to a. Including REI, or anybody who wants a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the winding rivers in...