I am planning on buying a new canoe with my tax return. I'm 6'1" 260# I am proficient with most paddling styles. I now own a old beat up 15' Colman. It has served me well and I plan on keeping it for the kids. I just want something faster, lighter, and just plain cooler.
I know that I don't want fiberglass. I really want carbon or Kevlar but I think that roylex might be the right choice. 90% of my canoing that I do now is solo, and on big rivers or lakes. I like to beach and walk out of the canoe at the end of the day. And I also like to get in dry and then push off. I will be fishing from the canoe but I want one made to cover miles first and fishing is just secondary. Initial stability is not a huge concern but good secondary is a must. Most importantly is the fun factor. I want to be able to lean it way on its edge and get up to cruising speed quickly. I will probably end up getting a dual blade paddle for covering great distances or wind, but I don't plan on using it all the time. Mainly an otter tail or standard blade.
So heres what Ive come up with.
Bell merlin 2
Bell magic
Wenonah Prism
Tandems
Wenonah Minn 2
Wenonah solo plus
Bell morning star
Bell north star
The solos listed are on the big side because of my size and the potential overnight hunting/camping trip.
I am skeptical about buying another tandem for mainly solo use, but what are your feelings about the above mentioned canoes. Is the Minn 2 Too much boat for one guy and some gear? And what about the others. I heard that a kneeling thwart in the northstar is the way to go.
I will be buying sometime in feb so I won't be test paddling before I buy.(I know) So your input is very important to my decision making process.
Heres what I want to hear.....
The minn2 is a super fast boat that could easily be handled by a mediocre paddler solo or with the wife.
OR
Forget the tandems your keeping the Coleman, get a Magic and don't look back.
Black magic?White gold?Kevlar?Tuff weave?Roylex?
I know whats the most durable but can I expect to see better performance out of a lighter lay-up? Seems that the oil can effect would hinder overall performance.
Thanks in advance,
Dan
I know that I don't want fiberglass. I really want carbon or Kevlar but I think that roylex might be the right choice. 90% of my canoing that I do now is solo, and on big rivers or lakes. I like to beach and walk out of the canoe at the end of the day. And I also like to get in dry and then push off. I will be fishing from the canoe but I want one made to cover miles first and fishing is just secondary. Initial stability is not a huge concern but good secondary is a must. Most importantly is the fun factor. I want to be able to lean it way on its edge and get up to cruising speed quickly. I will probably end up getting a dual blade paddle for covering great distances or wind, but I don't plan on using it all the time. Mainly an otter tail or standard blade.
So heres what Ive come up with.
Bell merlin 2
Bell magic
Wenonah Prism
Tandems
Wenonah Minn 2
Wenonah solo plus
Bell morning star
Bell north star
The solos listed are on the big side because of my size and the potential overnight hunting/camping trip.
I am skeptical about buying another tandem for mainly solo use, but what are your feelings about the above mentioned canoes. Is the Minn 2 Too much boat for one guy and some gear? And what about the others. I heard that a kneeling thwart in the northstar is the way to go.
I will be buying sometime in feb so I won't be test paddling before I buy.(I know) So your input is very important to my decision making process.
Heres what I want to hear.....
The minn2 is a super fast boat that could easily be handled by a mediocre paddler solo or with the wife.
OR
Forget the tandems your keeping the Coleman, get a Magic and don't look back.
Black magic?White gold?Kevlar?Tuff weave?Roylex?
I know whats the most durable but can I expect to see better performance out of a lighter lay-up? Seems that the oil can effect would hinder overall performance.
Thanks in advance,
Dan
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