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I have been canoeing since the early 70's
and have owned everything from aluminum, fiberglass and kevlar. As with any
canoe, you must decide what you want to use it for, to determine what design
you need and what material it should be made out of. First I want to say, what
ever you buy, choose a quality product from a good company, and not any old
sporting goods store that sells them on price, not on design, quality, and
support. My requirement was for a light weight, fast canoe, that could carry a
load of two people and gear for 7 to 10 day wilderness trips in Canada.
Somewhat difficult to find everything you want. In 1989 I chose We-no-nah and
have never regretted it. I chose a We-no-nah 17' Jensen design, PVC Core,
Kevlar Canoe at just under 40 lbs. I have used this canoe on my wilderness
trips in Canada, including fly in and out trips, always with two adults and
plenty of gear.....believe me, a full load sometimes. I recommend a removable
yoke for ease of loading or unloading larger packs. The optional foot rest is
not required in this canoe. This canoe may be a little uncomfortable to a new
comer because of its low level of initial stability, and only medium final
stability, but trust me......you will get very comfortable in this canoe as you
gain experience. A breeze to portage, fast on the water with minimal effort,
and yes, I have been in some big lakes with wind, waves, and taking on water,
and streams with minor rapids. Any large rapids would be portaged anyhow, as I
am not going to risk up setting or damage in the wilderness. This canoe does
not have a lot of height so you do not catch much wind, the down side to this
is in big waves you take on a little more water. An 18' would be even faster,
but would not turn as well. This 17' design tracks very well and yet allows you
to make reasonable turns. Even loaded down, I have been with parties using
other brands and designs where they would drag in shallow water and I just went
through it without dragging. I purchased this canoe in Waterport, NY from Oak
Orchard Canoes & Kayaks. They always have a large selection, and have a
very high degree of knowledge of the products they sell. I have never regretted
buying this canoe, and I still own it.
Tom
Baker
12-17-2003 |
