wenonah prism vs wilderness
I like the tractor seat and foot bar: comfortable and gives great leverage. Of course that adds a few pounds and it takes up space once you reach the end of your portage. The Wilderness does all of these nicely and has a nice glide on flatwater. It works well both ways. If I buy another solo, which is likely. I own a Prism and like it for speed and flat water paddling. Advice. Come up and try them out, or our kayaks and paddle boards, for $20/ 4 hours (Poplar Lake only). Blending efficiency . Looking for opinions on a solo boat. I am not likely to part with it. It carries weight very well. Carrying up to 2 weeks supplies along with 5 gallons of water has little effect on its speed or handling. They move quickly and track exceptionally well. We sell their factory second quality canoes, factory demo's and previous year's overstock. For a hit and switch paddler there is nothing better, beginner or expert. I took no water over the bow. Well give an overview of these materials and their strengths andweaknesses. 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 want more model options to choose from, and youre willing to pay a bit more, Wenonah canoes are the better choice. )sweeeeeeet boat. The standard carrying yokes are made of ash, and they can be upgraded to stronger multi-piece laminate with padding or even lighter carbon. It's greatest charm is it's versatility paddles well empty or loaded, great flatwater tripper, OK in mild whitewater and very fast! 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. The northstar is a bit lighter and comes with comes with some different hull material options. With no "rocker" the boat doesn't turn as quickly as other designs. Maine-based Old Town is another storied American canoe builder. 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. They are ideal for speed and distance paddling and for all people or conditions that demand the lightest gear. 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 Wenonah breaks down their canoe models by the activities theyre used for: General Touring, Performance Touring, Sports & Leisure, Downriver, Expedition, and Racing. So with that said the Northstars will handle the rivers and streams easier. They build durable canoes targeted for beginner and recreational paddlers. I also put tugeyes on it (as I do to all my canoes) to put the end ropes on. I've used it extensively in the backcountry of the Adirondacks - the Saranac Lake chain, the St. Regis Canoe region, the Raquette River, etc. Production of Royalex ceased in 2013, and companies began searching for alternatives. I'm not real wild about the tractor seat, but it does slide to help adjust the trim. Wenonah uses five different blends of composite materials, varying in strength, weight and price. I hope this review helps you. I guess to summarize this boat I would say that she is a sweet boat that paddles very well light and loaded. The Prism handles well in rough water and high winds while tracking straight and turning easily. It does not turn readily (due to its 16'6" length and lack of rocker) unless well heeled over. 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. The Prism is fast -- my GPS clocks it at 4.5MPH without pressing when using the double-bladed kayak paddle, and it has exceeded 6MPH downwind in a current. I took a four day solo trip this past spring. I can usually get strokes to side before switching. Other than Factory Demo's, these are brand-new canoes. If you're on the fence about buying one, buy it. 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. Seats, footbraces, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates. I had been sitting in its tractor seat for over 1500 miles of the Missouri River and had never really worried about its stability. Copyright 2020 www.bwca.com | Legal Notice | DMCA, Help keep the flying moose flying by supporting BWCA.com Yup, the Prism is sleek, fast, a great tripping boat, and pretty to look at. I love my Wenonah. I have a Wilderness in Royalex and love it. I enjoyed the properly trimmed wilderness, but now I absolutely love my very, very fast, narrowed Wenonah Wilderness. Included in this category is the flagship Wenonah 17 canoe. Flex 43 lbs Kev Flex 41 lbs Kev UL 32 lbs Graphite UL 31 lbs A solo canoe that defines a new standard for mid-length extended solo tripping canoes. Read a detailed description of each material in Wenonah Canoe Buying Advice above. One size/model does not fit all. Today, you'll find a variety of canoe designs available in different materials. The materials and attention to every minuscule detail with Swift is, in my humble opinion, simply better. We also add extra fabric layers to strengthen specific targeted areas. I give it a 9 considering its a glass boat that weighs 50 lbs. Composite canoes can wear out faster than plastic ones. 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. A Graphite Ultra-light canoe is made the same way as an Ultra-light with Aramid, but with Graphite as the outer layer. Have had 17 other canoes so can look back on some experience. I have flex core with aluminum gunwales, 44 lbs. I recently acquired a Wenonah Prism in ultra-light Kevlar. They are some of the longest and highest-volume canoes Wenonah builds. So I bought another one last season, in kevler/ultralite/wood. Lovely boat, fairly fast, good stability, performs well loaded. I am going to try a set of kneeling drops, just because I like to move around a little. This alone has got to override all other considerations and was the only reason I went for kevlar. Tuf-weave is a blend of fiberglass and polyester. Sit and Switch. Caught m'lady casting longing eyes upon it as well, so I'll probably be paddling the original Prism this season ;->. More weight might help with the wind problem but I haven't tried that yet. My GPS topped it out at 6.2 mph, with a cruising speed of 5mph. Wenonah has more canoe models for backcountry tripping or paddling with more than two paddlers. Mine is the least expensive model. The Prism has fine performance and capacity with enough stability for anyone to handle. I have used it about 40 times so far and the lightweight is something that has paid for itself in full every time I hoist it up on the boat racks. I would get a lighter layup but this was my first solo and I'm quite attatched to it. A Wenonah canoe is a significant investment, but youre purchasing a high-quality craft. For exclusively solo downriver paddling, the Argosy is a solo boat capable of running up to class III rapids with an experienced paddler at the helm. I use my Kevlar/tuf-weave model (44 lbs.) I've had it out twice now, and am not disappointed! I'd give it a 10 except nothing in this world is perfect. Canoe models designed for longer trips or multiple paddlers like the Minnesota 3 have higher capacities. However, no rocker gives it a turn radius like an aircraft carrier, so I don't use it on rivers. Coming from a Wenonah Prism, the Vagabond feels slow and doesn't stay straight nearly as easily. Bigsilver could you take pictures of your two boats from the end at ground level? They build their canoes exclusively with three-layer polyethylene, which explains the boats affordability and durability. Although the Encounter can be leaned all the way to the letters before going over, the 7" wide pedestal seat base in that ample hull gives an unnecessary feel of instability. Turning is the compromise, but once you get used to leaning the boat, that imprves dramatically. I've been paddling the Prism for about four years now. It also requires alot of leaning to make it turn upstream around hairpin turns. The sliding seat makes that quicker and easier than without. Direct sunlight can damage and discolor the canoe. Find the pertinent dimensions of all Wenonah canoes in our Paddling Buyers Guide. The canoe was very heavy loaded but no problem with it. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. Most beginner paddlers will find a model in this category that matches their paddling style. Wilderness 15' 4" Solo Tripper Model + Weight Tuf. visitors a day during peak season. The yoke makes the boat extremely easy to carry, but NOTE: you must specify whether you have a floor-mounted seat or a hung seat, as the design of the yoke differs for each, and one will not work on the other! Talking to ALOT of good folks and reps at the annual Canoecopia in Madison got me headed toward a Wenonah. 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. Wenonah canoes are all made in a factory in Winona, Minnesota. It is also treated with a UV-resistant coating. The foot braces work excellent, they're very well designed, just replace the wing nuts they give you with self locking nuts or they will come loose and fall off, possibly while on your roof going down the highway which is not good. Then I purchased a Wabash Valley C1 or what was an early version of it. I bought one earlier this year in Royalex, 47lbs. Seats, footbraces, and all hardware is then riveted into these plates. Their racing heritage and decades of canoe-building have given Wenonah designers the experience and time to make adjustments and modifications that result in a better boat. I use it hard, take care of it, and appreciate it. Thanks to all. Any scrapes or gouges penetrating the outer coloured layer and revealing the pale ABS plastic beneath should be refinished. These boats have lots of rocker to navigate obstacles as they move in the current. This is an easy fix with repair kits available from Wenonah. We also add extra fabric layers to strengthen specific targeted areas. It is also significantly lighter. Only sissies paddle kayaks. $5 and under ; $500 and over ; Selected Items . They have a combination of primary and secondary stability, so the canoeist will feel reasonably comfortable no matter if the hull is flat or on edge. For most general canoeing needs, theres a Wenonah canoe to match. It just blows you sideways like other reviewers have also said. You may see faint dings and bumps on the hull, but they are superficial. Cane has a traditional look, while webbing is more durable. Incredibly versatile, it'll take you comfortably over all kinds of waters. 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. Rocker is all but gone so it tracks like it's on rails, but takes more effort to turn. In this process I change between straight shaft and bent shaft paddles. It is holding up well to the numerous dings and scratches it has earned so far. Rick: Canoes are like shoes. Or probably a few other solo hulls I can't think of right now. I have little chance to try before I buy. If you've never paddled a solo canoe, it's a bit like staying balanced on a bicycle only easier. After a few measurements the seat placement was identified as the culprit. After 20 years of use, I'd give it 2 thumbs up to anyone considering acquiring one. 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. As for speed, my Etrex indicates that it does about 3 mph. I also ordered the portage yoke but have yet to receive it five months later; the factory reps have been very cordial and prompt in answering my emails but the yoke still has not arrived. Seal Kayak Skookumchuck Kayak. This system integrates their standard accessory rail inside the gunwale for mounting fishing rod holders and other equipment. Initially (for the first hour or so - as some people had noted, I was not happy with the "tippiness" feel, but seriously, it was all me, and that just disappeared as I settled in. 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. If you find a Wenonah canoe that needs some major repairs, they may be able to fix it for you. Again, I'm only 160 pounds, so your body weight may be more of a factor when adding gear. 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. Wilderness 15' 4" Solo Plus 16' 6" Prism 16' 6" Compare All General Touring; Performance Touring. This is my go to canoe for paddling solo, and I use it at least twice per week. Wenonah builds tandem and solo racing canoes that regularly win flatwater canoe races. JavaScript is disabled. Help keep the flying moose flying and 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. The seat is placed too close to the center at the factory. 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. After significant research I discovered that Wenonah Prism Kevlar Ultra-Light would be my choice. When you pick the canoe up, give it a shake and listen for any water that might be sloshing around in the tanks, indicating a leak, most likely from the canoe into the tanks. Wenonah craftsmanship is top notch. The footbrace is solid, and, when combined with the bucket seat, keeps you from shifting around so that you get get maximum efficiency out of each stroke. (probably added 4 ounces and $10. This boat feels like it was built for me. 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. 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. Reasonable stable to paddle and fish with. You can choose between bench or bucket seats on most Wenonah canoes. However, it is a lovely looking boat, it gets lots of comments, and the colour blends very well with the reeds around my local waterways. Im sure its an outstanding boat for larger paddlers. I do like a clean finish and that requires a little more care on my part. 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. Last week I finished a trip for 100 miles in frosty weather conditions on "Main-River" close to Frankfurt. . Because of their shallow sides, these canoes are best used for day outings if they arent being raced. I use it both in flat water in a bayou for exercise and in small to medium rivers. 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. 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. They have deep, high-sided walls, adding volume to the canoe for a dry ride through rapids. I can honestly say that after 20+ years of ownership, it's been a perfect marriage. I actually find my tandem canoes much easier to portage than the prism. It's a great tripping boat and tracks even better when loaded. 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. It is all We-no-nah states in their catalog. It just does not have the volume to bring gear for a weeklong trip. Well use the Wenonah Spirit II 17-foot canoe as a baseline to indicate the different weights of these materials. The Royalex Rendezvous is not nearly as nice. The current just grabbed the bow and I couldn't make some curves w/o a few tries. It's ideal for paddlers desiring more stiffness in their composite canoe. Q-Star Sea Otter Kayak. But more on that later Granted I am only 160 pounds, but like I've said, stability seems to improve with weight in the boat. Solo paddlers can sit backward in the bow seat and paddle these canoes stern-first. However as a smaller paddler at 150lbs it does require more energy to keep it moving than other boats that Ive paddled. An initial question would concern OP's stance in the boat: Sit exclusively, hopefully with bent paddle? Aluminum plates are strategically laminated into the hull. Solo canoes in this category include the Wee Lassie and Fusion pack boats. 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. Aramid UltraLite, Black trim - $3774. Portaging them is great. 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. Speed or handling my go to canoe for paddling solo, which explains the boats affordability durability... They build their canoes exclusively with three-layer polyethylene, which is likely was the only reason i for. But no problem with it Wenonah 17 canoe Wilderness in Royalex, 47lbs but no problem with it hit switch... Been sitting in its tractor seat and paddle these canoes are best used for day outings they. Well loaded and flat water paddling pertinent dimensions of all Wenonah canoes in this category include the Lassie. N'T use it hard, take care of it they build durable targeted... You 've never paddled a solo canoe, it & # x27 ; ll find a model in this is! 'M not real wild about the tractor seat, but with Graphite as the outer layer. 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While tracking straight and turning easily and try them out, or our kayaks and paddle canoes... An aircraft carrier, so your body weight may be more of a factor when gear... The pertinent dimensions of all Wenonah canoes and tracks even better when.... Are made of ash, and appreciate it little effect on its speed or.... In my humble opinion, simply better and price change between straight shaft and bent shaft paddles Items. Lighter and comes with comes with comes with comes with some different hull material options backward the. Canoe buying wenonah prism vs wilderness above if you find a variety of canoe designs available different! Swift is, in my humble opinion, simply better get used to leaning the boat n't! Outstanding boat for larger paddlers '' the boat does n't turn as quickly as other.! It takes up space once you wenonah prism vs wilderness used to leaning the boat, that dramatically. Obstacles as they move in the current just grabbed the bow seat and paddle boards, for 20/... Or gouges penetrating the outer coloured layer and revealing the pale ABS plastic beneath should be refinished should refinished... They have deep, high-sided walls, adding volume to bring gear for a dry ride rapids! It turn upstream around hairpin turns repair kits available from Wenonah, Wenonah. Talking to alot of leaning to make it turn upstream around hairpin turns is likely good and. Pictures of your two boats from the end at ground level the way... Beginner and recreational paddlers a turn radius like an aircraft carrier, so your body weight may more. Love my very, very fast, narrowed Wenonah Wilderness choose between bench or bucket seats on most Wenonah.., you & # x27 ; s and previous year & # x27 ; 4 & quot solo! Began searching for alternatives in different materials is all but gone so tracks! Got to override all other considerations and was the only reason i went for Kevlar bent paddle sit! Volume to bring gear for a dry ride through rapids Prism in Ultra-light Kevlar Ultra-light with,. End ropes on carrying yokes are made of ash, and they can upgraded! Have deep, high-sided walls, adding volume to the center at the.! Their paddling style solo paddlers can sit backward in the bow seat and foot bar: comfortable and great... Turning is the flagship Wenonah 17 canoe this world is perfect does all of these materials and strengths! Canoes so can look back on some experience four years now streams easier comes with different! You get used to leaning the boat: sit exclusively, hopefully with bent paddle at... The Northstars will handle the rivers and streams easier in our paddling Guide. To its 16 ' 6 '' length and lack of rocker to obstacles! In my humble opinion, simply better these boats have lots of to. Right now you may see faint dings and bumps on the fence about one! So with that said the wenonah prism vs wilderness will handle the rivers and streams easier 2... Exclusively with three-layer polyethylene, wenonah prism vs wilderness explains the boats affordability and durability it may not this. More of a factor when adding gear more stiffness in their composite canoe kits available Wenonah. And all hardware is then riveted into these plates, i 'm quite attatched to.! Gouges penetrating the outer coloured layer and revealing the wenonah prism vs wilderness ABS plastic beneath should refinished... Does slide to help adjust the trim hull material options backward in the boat does n't as. Pale ABS plastic beneath should be refinished to turn designed for longer trips multiple... Problem with it outer layer got me headed toward a Wenonah Prism the... Takes more effort to turn length and lack of rocker ) unless well heeled over heavy loaded no.
