The Spirit II … We especially appreciated the size of the Spirit II— it’s small enough for quick paddling outings but large enough to pack all the gear for a week of canoe tripping, plus the dog. Wenonah took the sketches to high-end racing canoe designer Everett Crozier and soon after the Spirit was born. Spirit II is a tandem 17' Wenonah Canoe that is made in Minnesota. View All Outerwear, Clothing, and Accessories ». $ 1,299.00 $ 995.00 She grew up doing lots of canoeing, so it seemed like a good solution. A maroon Wenonah Spirit II Roylex with a center portage thwart. But I am still kind of swayed toward it. After two years of building the Spirit in fiberglass and Kevlar, Wenonah found the process of removing it from the mold was too cumbersome and made a modification to the nose. Top of the line kevlar model, msrp $2899. 17 ft Wenonah Spirit II Canoe with Tuf Weave construction. Like a Swiss Army Knife, the Spirit II does everything. I think that's a very good price if the hull is in good shape. Because when you spin it around it’s a pretty decent solo canoe. Do you have any pictures of your Spirit II in action you'd be willing to add to your review for others to see? Gear Review: Wenonah Royalex Spirit II Canoe. But the smile on my face as I paddled it was pure Minnesota II, if in a smaller package. The trim is black aluminum.Interior is spotless, excellent condition. We were really afraid to take the canoe into open water as we are not young and strong any more. Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe presents the Wenonah Spirit II Ultra-Light (UL)! wenonah 17' canoe - $1000. We're not expert at canoeing by any means. Perfect for lake travel but at home on moving water. We've owned our Kevlar ultralight Spirit II with the clear skincoat (yellow kevlar color) … The Wenonah Spirit II does everything. She carries two people and all our gear including two Granite Gear Quetico portage packs, a Boundary Waters Journal pack with a big food box in it, and a small day pack. Trailspace's community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top touring canoes. Quick cadence. We were out on a day cruise when a summer storm blew up. This type of canoe is often preferred by people who aren't paddling enthusiasts, … This boat is beautiful in the water. In 1983 the Spirit II was born. Great handling and stability loaded for two weeks on flatwater; light enough for 60-year-old to portage. She told me she never once felt uncomfortable in the back. Canoe gliding. Since its release in 1987, the Minnesota II has become Wenonah’s second most popular design, falling in just behind the more newbie-friendly Spirit II. As efficient as a long-hulled canoe and as maneuverable as a short one, the Spirit II strikes a balance between all good things. It handled just about everything a trip of that length threw at it, and could easily be renamed the Wenonah Harmony. Wenonah Southfork Canoe- Three Phase Rotational Molding, Black Vinyl Gunwales, Hung Web Seats – Yellow – Used SKU: 10043. +2,309 Spirit II: Like a Swiss Army Knife, the Spirit II does everything.As efficient as a long-hulled canoe and as maneuverable as a short one, the Spirit II strikes a balance between all good things. Roomy enough for … This spring, I took my daughter and her 85 lb Golden Retriever out this spring--this dog had never been in a boat. You have entered an incorrect email address! Paddle through any conditions with this durable canoe from Wenonah. Wenonah baked a sheet, formed a Spirit II and shipped it here to Canoeroots. Wenonah Canoe vice president Bill Kueper is enthusiastic about the growing inclusion of Esquif’s T-Formex. June 29, 2016. Loaded, she handles with even greater stability. But even with the wind and the waves, she never once felt unstable. After the short walk I decided that if durability and price were not the most important factors I’d remind you that the Spirit II is available in Wenonah’s Tuff-weave Flex-Core, Flex-Core with Kevlar and Ultra-light with Kevlar layups. Since then, we've had it on everything but the ocean and nothing above a slow Class II. Browse Wenonah's top-rated canoes and more. Thanks for sharing your Wenonah canoe review with us. average rating The origins of the Spirit begins in 1981 when Wenonah sales and distribution representative Kurt Renner was sitting with a Wenonah dealer from Missoula, Montana. Based on our popular Spirit II, the Heron is a … The rear seat is …   Wenonah Spirit II | Nova Craft Cronje | Northstar Northwind 17 | Swift Keewaydin 17 | Souris River Quetico 17 CLICK A BOAT BELOW TO READ REVIEW Wenonah Spirit II Wenonah canoe, wenonah minnesota ii, wenonah prism, wenonah wilderness, wenonah solo plus, wenonah aurora, wenonah adirondack, wenonah spirit ii. The 17' Wenonah Spirit II strikes just the right balance between speed and stability, maneuverability and tracking, and capacity and ease of paddling. Inspiring paddlesports participation through quality coverage of the people, places, adventures, boats and gear, trends and events that make paddling something you'll do for the rest of your life. Spend more to carry less. Adirondack 16' 0" Escapade 16' 6" Escape 17' 6" Minnesota II 18' 6" Minnesota 3 … We had to watch the wind a bit, as she is 17' long, but she turns on a dime, is so responsive, and is so balanced, the length is really not an issue. Meanwhile, canoe builders are lining up to use T-Formex, but Wenonah Canoe was the first, outside of Esquif themselves, to produce canoes in the new material. We are paddling effortlessly. In addition to the Spirit II they will build the Aurora, Adirondack, Prospector 16, Prospector 15, Wilderness and Blackwater. The Spirit II in T-Formex is the culmination of a classic and widely loved canoe with a long-awaited material that underwent a tumultuous journey to production. After learning how to load the canoe for balance, she was SO stable. When a man is part of his canoe, he is part of all that … Esquif went through bankruptcy and reinvestment, then eventually manufactured and shipped Wenonah a few T-Formex sheets. I don’t live or work in Missoula where the rivers run long and free of portages. The evening light is trying to burn though the thin canoe skin. To see if it’s truly the kind of canoe a dealer in Missoula could sell to anyone we paddled it in a variety of conditions. Bottom line is she really had no idea where to jump in with selecting a boat. We loaded it like a cross between backpacking and car camping. Our T-Formex tester has ash and webbing seats which adds even more to the Spirit II’s do-it-all sensibility. The Kevlar version weighs a miniscule 42 pounds and costs $2,099; the base … A Wilson Please share your experience. Named the "B-Attitude" after Bea and Barb of Wilderness Paddlers up in Ely, Minnesota, we bought her as a "blem" from the factory on the way back to Michigan from Ely. The Spirit II bridged the gap between whitewater tripping boats and the abundance of 32 to 33-inch waterline canoes deemed too tippy by too many consumers. Paddling in the stern, the tumblehome and narrow stern cockpit are reminiscent of a Sundowner, with the sheer ease of getting the paddle to the water. How to Build a Community Gear Lending Library, 42-69 pounds (18.9-31.05 kg), depending on materials, Light — 42 pounds in the ultralight Kevlar skincoat, Carries two weeks of gear easily, even in sizable waves, Clear gelcoat somewhat vulnerable to scratches and UV. Wenonah Spirit II Great handling and stability loaded for two weeks on flatwater; light enough for 60-year-old to portage. My friend and I describe ourselves as middle-aged "fat-packers"-- but my best friend and hiking buddy got injured--really messed up her ankle, so hiking was out of the question for the summer. May 7, 2010. Then in 2013 the plastics company PolyOne announced they were no longer going to produce Royalex sheets. This includes an incredible 60 mile+ trip and portage in … With two large people it draws just 4", leaving lots of reserve buoyancy for gear. I don’t treat them any different than my grumman. While at the time of printing Wenonah’s production team is waiting for shipments of more T-Formex sheets, Renner says many have been already pre-sold. Canoe Review: Wenonah Canoe’s Spirit II In T-Formex, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, The Salty Single Blade of Coastal Canoeing, Solo Canoe Review: Adirondack Canoe Company’s 14-Foot Boreas. Ultra-light w/kevlar Spirit II from we-no-nah. The 50-year-old canoe company has plans to produce seven of its models in T-Formex in 2017. Canoe Review: Wenonah Canoe’s Spirit II In T-Formex W hen Wenonah Canoes’ new T-Formex Spirit II showed up at the Canoeroots office last fall in all its cherry-red glory, its mere existence marked the … But we go out every year on a 15-day "wilderness" trip in one of Canada's wonderful Provincial Parks. REVIEW CORPS Used occassionally around ponds and the lagoons for the last few … Wenonah II Kevlar Canoe at The Boundary Waters CatalogA Versatile tandem with excellent performance and easy handling on rivers and lakes. So, we took a three hour break...and then we saw the rain coming. We are the 2nd owner, built in 1997, the color is Aqua. Price Paid: can't remember. So she is more responsive and turns a bit faster, but also doesn't cruise quite as quickly. Your annual two-week paddling trips sound great! As efficient as a long-hulled canoe and as maneuverable as a short one, the Spirit II strikes a balance between all good things. I read every bit of literature I could get my hands on...so she made her choice. Ultra Light 36 lbs A compact canoe with classic lines, great for exploring quiet waters. Heron 15' Recreational Model+ Weight Tuf. 17 Wenonah 17' 0" Spirit II 17' 0" Champlain 18' 0" Seneca 19' 4" Compare All General Touring; Performance Touring. We were able to keep at cruising speed with her full. The dealer told Renner he needed a canoe he could sell to anyone. Why? Despite tipping the scales at a mere 42 pounds in Wenonah’s Kevlar-based Ultra-light lay-up, the Minnesota II … In fact, the finish is remarkably durable: the refinishing was the result of dragging her over one too many beaver dams without taking the time to unload everything. I helped her out by watching and watching Craigslist. The Spirit II is safe and roomy, too, having capacity for medium-heavy trips. We've owned our Kevlar ultralight Spirit II with the clear skincoat (yellow kevlar color) since 1997. They are very comfortable to be in for long periods of time. Loaded it becomes more stable yet still … The canoe they dreamed up was 17-feet-long, had a 34-inch waterline, a 36-inch maximum beam, one-and-a-half to two inches of rocker and clean entry and exit lines. The Spirit II is a little shorter than some of the other touring/tripping models by Wenonah and has a slight bit of rocker. Roomy enough for … “It gave us a boat with a much broader appeal that can be used anywhere,” says Renner, 36 years after that bar napkin sketch. Find the best canoe for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. We decided to hole up until the white caps eased. All canoes are ‘as is.’ Canoes range from Waterworthy to Handyman’s Special. Wenonah Minnesota II Canoe - $1800 (Sheboygan) Kevlar Minnesota II, 18.5 feet long and only 47 pounds! We were able to stay in a straight line, and the boat ate the waves like they were nothing.   I believe this is the best Boundary Waters canoe ever made, slipping effortlessly … He was edgy, so was walking all over the center of the boat, knocking it off balance with every step, and I never once felt like we were going to dump. As efficient as a long-hulled canoe and as maneuverable as a short one, the Spirit II strikes a balance between all good things. Plus a set of cart wheels if we're planning on taking a cart trail. Roomy enough for … Empty, she skims along. Having been in mostly camp canoes my whole life, and she had used nothing but beaters herself, the first time we took this boat out we literally stopped three strokes out into the water and looked at each other in awe. Make: Wenonah – Royalex Model: Aurora & Spirit II We are selling a few of our Royalex Canoes this fall. I know yokes are a personal thing but I found this one flat and uncomfortable; changing it out would be my first, and maybe only, DIY project. Sprit II – 17’ 42lbs I spent a month paddling Quetico Provincial Park from the back of a Spirit II and couldn’t have been happier. So she is more responsive and turns a bit faster, but also doesn't cruise quite as quickly. We decided to go for it. The future of Wehonah’s top-seller was now in the hands of Esquif Canoes who announced in 2014 it was concocting a replacement material in their southern Quebec factory. wenonah kev ultralite spirit II’s one just with skin coat and one with a gel coat. The tow-coloured canoe is at … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Source: bought it new She would buy this boat all over again, and I am happy to help her transport it! $ 0.00 Rentals and River Trips 17' long and only 42lbs. He sees the Spirit II as providing a much-needed respite in the canoe market for something versatile, tough and durable. Initially introduced in fiberglass and Kevlar, by the 1990s the Spirit II was being produced in Royalex. +13 This is a short video overview of the Spirit II Ultra-Light (UL). (I wouldn't say that I felt calm and relaxed...but we never got wet :)) And once he figured out how to be a passenger, he relaxed and really enjoyed the ride. Roomy enough for Boundary Waters trips, stable enough for fishing. or review a different product, second gear Based on the popular Spirit II, the Heron is a compact utility canoe that is excellent for casual activities on varied, local waters. Like a Swiss Army Knife, the Spirit II does everything. When Wenonah Canoes’ new T-Formex Spirit II showed up at the Canoeroots office last fall in all its cherry-red glory, its mere existence marked the beginning of a new chapter in canoeing history. Then this Wenona showed up. It was a major blow to the canoeing community and kicked off a canoe material soap opera. The Spirit II is a wonderful all-round canoe that easily paddles rivers and streams with it’s 1.5” Rocker yet tracks nicely on an open lake with a breeze. Being shorter also puts the paddlers slightly closer together, which can be an advantage for aging folks whose hearing isn't the best. Wenonah Spirit II Canoe Review by Brian Johnston. It went on to become the most successful canoe model in Wenonah’s line. The Spirit II is a little shorter than some of the other touring/tripping models by Wenonah and has a slight bit of rocker. Solo carrying the Spirit II on even a short 200-meter portage, I definitely felt every one of its 64 pounds. Asking Price: $100 – $800 Flex 50 lbs Kev. We took lots of training paddles on a local lake, and then we took an 8 day trip on a lake in Idaho. Wenonah's Spirit II, a sleek all-purpose canoe made for multi-day trips, is available in several configurations. While we felt pretty special paddling our pre-production model of the Spirit II in T-Formex, we know we’ll be seeing many more of them shortly. Have you used this? To be clear: the original finish was just fine (although as a blem there were some tiny cosmetic issues). The pair pulled up their bar stools and sketched the ideal model on a wrinkled napkin. Flex 46 lbs Kev. I got distracted by the good reviews of the Spirit, and even on the Wenonah site it quotes a magazine review that says “if you could have only one canoe to serve all your needs for the rest of your life, the Spirit II … © 2001-2020 MacLeay Interactive Design, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I bought a '98 vintage Spirit II laid up in Tuf-Weave for 900 about 5 years ago. Wenonah advertises the Spirit II as ideal for sportsmen, whitewater paddlers, families, kids and pretty much anyone else who wants a do-it-all canoe. And in the Kevlar Ultra-Light lay-up, you have a boat that will have you smiling in anticipation of the next portage. Welcome to Trailspace, A Wilson! She was in back steering, and I was up front being the power. The boat took waves that had me digging into mid-air during my stroke. The Spirit II tracks beautifully, and manages to be steady and stable without being sluggish. Roomy enough for … The stability and comfort remind me of a Cascade, or even a lively version of the Spirit II. Wenonah Canoe - Boats for Sale: Wenonah Kevlar Canoe MR340 in St. Louis, Wenonah Spirit II Kevlar canoe in Lawrence, Wenonah Minnesota 4 2339 Canoe in Quincy, Canoe 1639 Wenonah Aurora in … Seaworthy and predictable in wind … Add your own review » “It’s refilling a hole that over the last couple years was somewhat of a void,” he says. This is the first Wenonah Canoe produced in T-Formex, but they aren’t stopping with the Spirit II. The B-Attitude is probably a bit heavier than she was when new: we've had to perform some repairs and do refinishing over the years, and this has added a little weight. After all this drama it turns out that our T-Formex Spirit II looks and performs just like a Royalex one. 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