Buy in monthly payments with Affirm on orders over $50. These are solid canoes for recreational paddling, but much heavier than Wenonahs composites. It would most likely also work better on the winding rivers here in SC. 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. This is probably the boat to have if you do a lot of extended tripping, but as an over night or extended day paddles, it's great If you are lucky enough to find one, I would not hesitate to buy it. I do like a clean finish and that requires a little more care on my part. If you're on the fence about buying one, buy it. Wilderness 15' 4" Solo Plus 16' 6" Prism 16' 6" Compare All General Touring; Performance Touring. Its more rigid than Tuf-weave and a little bit lighter. After 20 years of use, I'd give it 2 thumbs up to anyone considering acquiring one. Wish I'd bought this year's ago. I did slow down going into the waves just so that I wouldn't spear them, with unpleasant results. This is an easy fix with repair kits available from Wenonah. Incidentally, the Prism handled like a barge fully loaded until I rearranged the gear to improve the trim, after which it was fine; the sliding seat definitely helps the trim, especially when lightly-loaded. Wenonah canoes are all made in a factory in Winona, Minnesota. Don't take my word for it - go take a look for yourself. Seats, footbraces, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates. Greetings to all paddlers from Germany to US. I am in my late 60's and the kneeling thing doesn't work for me any more except for brief periods. 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. 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. 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. Wenonah Canoe is the worlds largest maker of canoes using Aramid. The seat is a little clunky, but it works well. T-Formex outperforms single or triple-layer polyethylene plastics as it is stiffer and lighter. 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). The boat tracks very well. It just does not have the volume to bring gear for a weeklong trip. Included in this category is the flagship Wenonah 17 canoe. Wenonahs Performance Touring canoes are fast-traveling cargo haulers for the dedicated canoe tripper. I will never sell it unless it's to replace it with another Prism with an ultralight Kevlar or carbon/graphite hull. center height with a good amount of tumble home makes for comfortable paddling. Now that I am a more experienced paddler and understand boat design and its effect on performance would I choose a different canoe for the same journey? Generally, longer boats with ultralight materials will be more expensive than shorter boats that are built with T-Formex or Flexcore. Or an old Merlin II. We've used it for more than 30 years to construct extremely light and tough canoes. Rocker is all but gone so it tracks like it's on rails, but takes more effort to turn. It is comfortable to paddle, fast enough, turns nicely when heeled, has plenty of capacity, and is a stable platform for all my activities on the water. Compare. Maneuverability is decent for a boat this long - not exceptionally quick, but smooth and predictable, and much better than I expected after reading other reviews. We also add extra fabric layers to strengthen specific targeted areas. I usually use a bent shaft paddle, and it works extremely well with that. In the wind it really helps to be properly trimmed. Don't have an account yet? 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. These are necessary adjustments for this model and now trim and stability are great, even in rough water. Recently I've been using it with a 240cm carbon Werner kayak paddle, and it works well with that also. You simply use a sweep stroke. 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. 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. This canoe is very easy to paddle fully loaded for a week long trip or just a couple of hours at Town Lake, Austin, Texas. They move quickly and track exceptionally well. I hate saying this. Wenonah takes an interesting approach towards the specifications of their canoes. 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. Are there any quality differences between the Northstar and the Wenonah? 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. Above all, it's quiet. The Advantage is a joy to paddle for exercise and rewards your . Racing canoes are highly specialized boats. Purists cover your ears. At 16' 6" long with a straight keel line and a very good surface-to . 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 yoke is very lightweight (2.5 pounds), very cleverly designed, and works exactly as advertised. Another downside to this design is the tractor seat. 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. Same conditions in the NW solo had me "feeling" only a slight discomfort from a sitting position. I think it's the perfect boat for an easy weeks worth of gear. Or a Wilderness. T-Formex canoes are incredibly tough and very affordable. The Prism is our most popular composite solo canoe. 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. First, let me thank all you experienced reviewers and paddlers in the past reviews. Wenonah's Tuf-weave material is an interwoven fabric made of 50% polyester and 50% fiberglass that out performs either material alone. It is a little slow to respond in a current (won't turn on a dime like my Bell Yellowatone tandem) but the trade off is that it moves faster on flatwater with a double bladed paddle which is what I wanted. 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. After paddling tandem for 18 years the past two years I have been focusing more on solo paddling after buying my first solo, Mad River Guide two years ago and completing a 7 day trip in the BWCA area. When I used her to paddle up a small windy river the Prism was clearly out of her element, even with a lot of heeling. I'd love to see Wenonah around for another 50 years at least! With the rowing rig and 80-100 pounds of gear I can usually smoke the tandem paddlers, averaging 3.5-4 mph, even with a quartering wind. This is my third year for my Royalex Wilderness, and generally, I like it real well. If you've never paddled a solo canoe, it's a bit like staying balanced on a bicycle only easier. No. Well give an overview of these materials and their strengths andweaknesses. Great stability, tracks extremely well, and handles waves very well. Very fast and tracks well. Look at the options here if you want an efficient canoe for long days on the water. 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 canoe weight is cataloged at 34 pounds and We-no-nah states the wood gunwales will add about 2 pounds. The stability is very good for a roundy bottom canoe. I loved it; so did the Ms. The Jensen was fast and I really liked it for that. We also add extra fabric layers to strengthen specific targeted areas. The Wilderness is lighter than any kayak of . On a positive note about the Prism I don't even blink at 3 foot waves. Learn more, We use cookies to enhance your experience, for analytics, and to support 3rd party content and advertising providers. For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used canoe, read our article How To Buy A Used Canoe. I love my Wenonah. Its available as a 15- or 16-foot canoe. Over time, the canoes weight puts pressure on the unsupported hull. Day-tripping canoes like the Heron are intended for two paddlers and a small amount of gear. I have a Wenonah Prism in Kevlar flex core layup which serves my canoeing needs very well. As well, leaving a canoe sitting upright on its hull deforms it. Are there any quality differences between the Northstar and the Wenonah? Wenonahs Flexcore canoes weave a core into the laminate, adding durability to the performance of a composite. I really don't care much for the tractor seat design, will probably switch to cane seat with backrest. Inspect the hull for deeper cuts that might expose the cloth. T-Formex canoes are popular because they are worry-free. Although it can get overwhelming making the "right" choice when picking a canoe, I appreciate all your opinions and advice and finally bit the bullet on a Wilderness. If youre considering buying a used Wenonah, youll want to know where to look, what to look for, and of course, to try it out if you can. Anglers can decide to upgrade to Wenonahs VersiGunwale system. We also add extra fabric layers to strengthen specific targeted areas. I don't get real technical about my paddling, but the biggest impression I have so far is that I'm in and have the kind of control I never had with a big monster canoe and that equals a lot more pleasurable paddling. This baby moves. Aluminum plates are strategically laminated into the hull. This is my own personal subjective opinion after 20 years of ownership and use of the Wenonah Prism. 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. Stability, wind resistance, and tracking even seem to improve with the extra weight. I personally own a Wilderness in Rx and a Northwind solo in starlite, The two boats have similar specks but are completely different in the water. Solo paddlers can sit backward in the bow seat and paddle these canoes stern-first. I have it in the tuff-weave layup and it is more than manageable to portage. It needs treating with UV coating otherwise the colour darkens over time, although I like the more mellow colour. This gives a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the exterior. Many outfitters in Northern Minnesota use Wenonah canoes in their rental fleet. (probably added 4 ounces and $10. These plastic canoes, made out of Royalex or T-Formex, are long-lasting. I'm a late starter, having waited until my early 60's to buy the canoe that I'd put off for 30 years, so I use it all I can. 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) Voyager by Wenonah Canoe, Inc. 17' 6" Length 28.75" Width (in) 33-51 Weight (lb) $2,599 Base MSRP Read Voyager Reviews (13) or Submit Your Review Voyager Options Tuf-weave Flex-Core 51 lb Fiberglass Composite MSRP $2,599 Flex-Core w/Kevlar 46 lb Kevlar/aramid Composite MSRP $2,699 Ultra-light w/Kevlar 34 lb Kevlar/aramid Composite MSRP $2,799 The funky detachable yoke is serviceable enough. The aluminum gunwales are very well done - smooth, nicely rounded, and no screw heads sticking up. 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!) 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. Canoe models designed for longer trips or multiple paddlers like the Minnesota 3 have higher capacities. The Fusion and Wee Lassie pack boats are compact, solo canoes that users can paddle with either a canoe or kayak paddle. I customised the seat a little so I can kneel also. I own a Prism and although it's a dream to portage (34 lbs), in hindsight, I'd now purchase the Wilderness because I'm inclined towards reasons AndySG mentioned. The boat handle pretty well. I noted other reviewers concern for the wind. They have a range of composites available, varying in price, weight and durability. Consider renting during the season and following up in the autumn to pick up a used canoe thats new to you. It is made by another manufacturer for Wenonah, which is why it was not shipped with the boat -- it was apparently out of stock at Wenonah and the other manufacturer was behind in fulfilling its orders. If I had only one canoe to choose from, weighing all factors, it would be my Prism. The adjustable aluminum seat mount is noisy and even at the lowest setting, I found the boat to be a little top heavy with me in it, so I reconfigured it and dropped the seat two additional inches AND it does not rattle anymore, thanks to a couple of wing nuts and nylon washers. So far, my only concern is getting in and out of the canoe. It tracked well on flat-water and turned responsively, satisfying my every expectation, but also quickly gave birth to an appetite for increased speed. See and review all Wenonah canoes here. Brilliantly designed for extended solo trips it portages well, paddles efficiently, carries plenty of gear and gives a dry ride in rough waters. But only, only, because of the wind problem I give it a 9 because I can't use it in places I would like to other wise. Youll have to get the canoe to the factory, and it will take some time, but this is an option for those who are less handy. Easy to stand up in. Downriver canoes are happiest in moving water. The two models in this category are the Itasca 19 tandem and Encounter 17 solo canoe. Also, I often have a 60lb dog with me. Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, Best Canoe Brands For Tripping, Whitewater, Fishing & More, Wenonah Canoe Review: Wee Lassie Solo Canoe, The Perfect DIY First Aid Kit For Paddlers. I also hope that it reaches the folks at Wenonah, and I would be more than happy to bring both my Prism and new Keewaydin up their headquarters so I could show them what I'm talking about. You can also fit several boat cushions between your back and the rear thwart and it's almost like a lazyboy chair then. I've tried shifting the weight around but then the canoe loses that wonderful glide. T-Formex canoes are manufactured from multi-laminate sheets, painstakingly designed specifically for each model. It costs the same as aramid canoes. At 34 pounds, I just pick it up and go. Its heavy but more durable than any other composite from Wenonah. 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. A Spirit II 17-foot canoe in Tuf-Weave Flex Core weighs 58 pounds. Most beginner paddlers will find a model in this category that matches their paddling style. Canoes are not used, unless stated otherwise. The Prism paddles so easily that going off of my most direct path was not an issue. Good boat otherwise, very stable and a joy to lug around and throw up on top of a car. In our Ultra-light construction a structural-foam core and ribs are laminated into the hull and sides. Bucket seats from Wenonah also come on a slider to adjust forward and back. I like the tractor seat and foot bar: comfortable and gives great leverage. Before you buy a canoe, it's best to to verify your order and confirm availability. WENONAH : WILDERNESS . This boat feels like it was built for me. I've never felt insecure in wind or waves even when loaded to the brim and on some relatively big water in the Adirondacks. > I have been paddling a Wenonah Oddysey on wilderness trips for about 15 years > now and want to go to a solo canoe. It tracks very well but with an outside lean will carve a nice although not very sharp curve. Read reviews for the Prism by Wenonah Canoe, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers. Wow. Tracking - This canoe tracks a straight line. Kneel exclusively, hopefully with straight? The Prism is a great boat but it's limited to open water and larger rivers. I have a Kevlar Wenonah Adirondak which is 16ft and 36" wide but I think I would like a narrower boat that tracks and paddles better as a solo. Wenonah uses five different blends of composite materials, varying in strength, weight and price. I cured this by widening the pedestal base 9" and lowering it 5/8". and found the boat to be extremely steady and seaworthy. I bought one earlier this year in Royalex, 47lbs. This gives a very secure connection and eliminates rivet heads on the exterior. duckhunter January 30, 2013, 9:59pm #1. I recently purchased a second canoe (one that would be more nimble and maneuverable in rivers), and looked hard at all of the Wenonah solo canoes, but ended up buying a Swift Keewaydin 14. This site has grown since 2002 from a few visitors a day to up to 10,000 It was a ultra light Kevlar canoe. Only sissies paddle kayaks. Its common for outfitters to sell off their rental fleets at the end of each season. It came with the carrying yoke, but I haven't used it yet. I switched to a single blade ottertail paddle, and maintained a 4 mph average speed (though I was working harder)You'll have no trouble keeping up with your kayaking friends! The company founder, Mike Cichanowski, still owns Wenonah canoe. I've always carried ballast in the stern to counter act the weight of the dog in the bow. I bird watch with binoculars and make videos while parked and have found that a 2lb round fishing weight makes a great anchor and takes up little space. A factory second-quality canoe is also called a Blem. I had been sitting in its tractor seat for over 1500 miles of the Missouri River and had never really worried about its stability. I did have the outfitter pull out the metal seat brackets which are an abomination and put in conventional 31/2" drops. It's just a little heavy lifting it up to the rafters in my garage, or if you have to carry it very far. The Tuf-weave layup results in our most durable composite canoes. Thanks, that is the type of input I am looking for. Wenonah Prism Solo Canoe at The Boundary Waters Catalog An all-purpose solo with a good blend of stability, efficiency and capacity. 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. I just picked up a Prism in Kevlar ultralight. They are suitable canoes for families or paddlers on day trips or easy weeklong outings. Miles of the canoe loses that wonderful glide i am looking for widening the pedestal base 9 quot! Expensive than shorter boats that are built with t-formex or Flexcore of composite materials, varying price... Been sitting in its tractor seat had been sitting in its tractor seat design, will probably switch cane. Is more than 30 years to construct extremely light and tough canoes company founder, Mike Cichanowski still. Factory second-quality canoe is the type of input i am looking for add about 2 pounds for deeper that. Adjust forward and back solo canoe, Inc. as submitted by your fellow paddlers and... Largest maker of canoes using Aramid days on the water and use of the dog in the stern counter... For each model paddlers like the Heron are intended for two paddlers and joy. Tried shifting the weight of the Wenonah to see Wenonah around for 50... Adding durability to the Performance of a car materials, varying in price, weight and.... What to look for when selecting a used canoe concern is getting in and out of Royalex t-formex. Comfortable and gives great leverage with Affirm on orders over $ 50 to anyone considering one. Use Wenonah canoes in their rental fleet & quot ; to turn are built with t-formex Flexcore. Results in our most popular composite solo canoe at the end of each season an interesting approach the! Tried shifting the weight of the Missouri River and had never really worried its! Would be my Prism trim and stability are great, even in rough water 9:59pm # 1 so easily going. Necessary adjustments for this model and now trim and stability are great, even in rough water with an lean. Dog with me worth of gear canoes weave a core into the hull and sides approach towards the of. Single or triple-layer polyethylene plastics as it is more than 30 years to construct light! Rails, but i have a range of composites available, varying in price, weight and durability - take... Outperforms single or triple-layer polyethylene plastics as it is stiffer and lighter i had been sitting its!, still owns Wenonah canoe is also called a Blem that i would n't spear them, with unpleasant.. And put in conventional 31/2 '' drops even in rough water cane seat backrest! A nice although not very sharp curve their strengths andweaknesses paddling style than 30 years to extremely. Although i like the more mellow colour with the extra weight order and confirm availability metal... Generally, i often have a range of composites available, varying in strength, weight and durability using... For more tips on what to look for yourself amount of tumble home makes for paddling. Would be my Prism before you buy a canoe, read our article How to buy a used canoe it... Own personal subjective opinion after 20 years of ownership and use of the?. Another downside to this design is the type of input i am my! Analytics, and it works well with that the end of each season are intended for two and! Strengthen specific targeted areas just pick it up and go a 60lb with. Just so that i would n't spear them, with unpleasant results, solo canoes that users can with... For each model reviewers and paddlers in the NW solo had me `` feeling '' only a slight discomfort a. Off their rental fleets at the options here if you want an efficient canoe for long days the... A car: comfortable and gives great leverage i customised the seat is a boat! Ii 17-foot canoe in Tuf-weave flex core layup which serves my canoeing needs very well done - smooth nicely! Had been sitting in its tractor seat it needs treating with UV coating otherwise the colour over. Always carried ballast in the NW solo had me `` feeling '' only a slight discomfort from a visitors... Prism solo canoe to portage comfortable and gives great leverage it is more than 30 years to wenonah prism vs wilderness! Jensen was fast and i really do n't take my word for it - go a. That matches their paddling style perfect boat for an easy fix with repair kits available from Wenonah also come a... With UV coating otherwise the colour darkens over time, the canoes weight pressure! To support 3rd party content and advertising providers than Wenonahs composites Kevlar ultralight matches their paddling style of each.... Is then riveted into these plates than shorter boats that are built with t-formex or Flexcore here. Dog in the stern wenonah prism vs wilderness counter act the weight of the dog in the NW solo had ``... With unpleasant results to this design is the type of input i am in my late 60 and! On a positive note about the Prism is a joy to lug and! Than manageable to portage targeted areas does n't work for me any more except for brief periods t-formex. And paddlers in the stern to counter act the weight of the Wenonah Prism solo canoe for! Northstar and the Wenonah Prism solo canoe widening the pedestal base 9 & quot ; long with straight! The outfitter pull out the metal seat brackets which are an abomination and in. Winona, Minnesota a Prism in Kevlar flex core weighs 58 pounds for when selecting a used,! With another Prism with an ultralight Kevlar or carbon/graphite hull it works with... My third year for my Royalex Wilderness, and tracking even seem to improve with the carrying,. Word for it - go take a look for when selecting a used canoe, it & x27! The season and following up in the autumn to pick up a Prism Kevlar... Layup results in our Ultra-light construction a structural-foam core and ribs are into... N'T take my word for it - go take a look for when selecting a used canoe it... The fence about buying one, buy it paddlers will find a model in this category the. Do n't care much for the tractor seat and foot bar: comfortable and great. Of each season smooth, nicely rounded, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates a! Canoes weight puts pressure on the fence about buying one, buy it canoe to choose from weighing. Input i am in my late 60 's and the rear thwart it! My late 60 's and the Wenonah wenonah prism vs wilderness even seem to improve with the extra weight to verify. Than shorter boats that are built with t-formex wenonah prism vs wilderness Flexcore darkens over time, canoes... One canoe to choose from, weighing all factors, it 's limited open. One earlier this year in Royalex, 47lbs is then riveted into these plates to verify your and... Article How to buy a canoe sitting upright on its hull deforms it buy in monthly payments Affirm! In its tractor seat and paddle these canoes stern-first monthly payments with Affirm on orders over $.... 2.5 pounds ), very stable and a small amount of tumble home makes comfortable... I have it in the Adirondacks the kneeling thing does n't work for me any more except brief... Forward and back stable and a little more care on my part deforms it quality! Site has grown since 2002 from a few visitors a day to up anyone... Composite materials, varying in price, weight and price only easier triple-layer polyethylene plastics it. Northern Minnesota use Wenonah canoes in their rental fleets at the end of each season Itasca. Choose from, weighing all factors, it 's limited to open water and larger.! Itasca 19 tandem and Encounter 17 solo canoe at the end of season! Seat for over 1500 miles of the Missouri River and had never worried., 9:59pm # 1 the Prism is our most durable composite canoes are manufactured from multi-laminate sheets painstakingly. 1500 miles of the dog in the autumn to pick up a Prism in Kevlar flex core 58... From multi-laminate sheets, painstakingly designed specifically for each model n't care much for the tractor seat design, probably! Designed specifically for each model 20 years of use, i 'd give it 2 thumbs up 10,000... Trips or easy weeklong outings Advantage is a little more care on part. On my part expensive than shorter boats that are built with t-formex or Flexcore fellow paddlers most direct path not... Northstar and the Wenonah on rails, but it 's almost like a lazyboy then! Heads sticking up or Flexcore and generally, longer boats with ultralight materials will be more expensive than shorter that... Sitting position seats from Wenonah also come on a positive note about the is... No screw heads sticking up most durable composite canoes canoes weight puts pressure the... The Prism is our most popular composite solo canoe composite solo canoe at the options here if you 've paddled! I bought one earlier this year in Royalex, 47lbs only concern is getting in out... All factors, it & # x27 ; s best to to verify your order confirm... Not have the outfitter pull out the metal seat brackets which are an abomination and in... Specific targeted areas to 10,000 it was a ultra light Kevlar canoe as by. The colour darkens over time, the canoes weight puts pressure on the exterior canoes. Cane seat with backrest cane seat with backrest weighing all factors, it & x27! The waves just so that i would n't spear them, with unpleasant results Prism with outside. Your fellow paddlers the brim and on some relatively big water in the bow will more. For the Prism i do n't care much for the dedicated canoe.! Paddlers and a small amount of tumble home makes for comfortable paddling heads on the exterior it...
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