I can hardly wait for open water 2024. I haven’t looked forward to a paddling season with this much anticipation in a long time.

I purchased one of the used canoes VNO was selling at the end of the season. They gave it a new gel coat and new skid plates. Plus it’s still licensed through 2025!

Thanks Tanner and the VNO team for helping me!

I initially was looking at a MNII as I have experience in them. I was intrigued by the Northwind 18 because of the optional third seat. The specs say it’s just 3-inches longer (18-9) than the MNII (18-6) so I’m guessing it handles similarly.

Anyone have paddling experience in the NW18 and the MNII?

I’ve paddled a Northwind 17. And a Northwind 20. I now own a Northstar B17. The 18 is a great boat as are all the Northwind’s. It’s a bit more stable than a MnNII from what I’ve read. Maybe a hair slower but more stable and a great tripping canoe!

Ryan

I am by no means a canoe expert. We rented a NW18 this past year. Plenty of space for two adults and one 11 year old. Not as fast as a MNII or as stable as a Q17, it's somewhere in between those two on both counts. All canoes have compromises and nothing is going to be the best at everything, but I'd say most people will find the NW18 is as close to ideal as it gets for a 3-person tripper. Large for two people unless you have a lot of gear. Overall I found it to be a very good all around canoe and I enjoyed paddling it.

Both canoes are great and I think you will really enjoy the Northstar. It has more capacity, is a bit more stability and is roomier for the bow paddler. That said, while I prefer the Northstar, my bow paddler prefers the MNII because you can feel an efficiency difference. I’d describe the MNII as a canoe that slices through the water, while the Northstar carves its way through the water.

I’d also say it paddles best with a couple packs in it… that canoe wants to take you on an adventure. Enjoy the anticipation.

Congrats! I think the NW18 is one of their most special hull designs. It might be a touch slower than a MNII but it's an exceptionally efficient boat and it's more maneuverable and more seaworthy than the Wenonah. I think you'll love it under all conditions and I think you may be surprised at how competent and safe the boat feels in serious wind and waves.

It looks great on your truck and will be even better in the water!

I rented the NW18 once and it worked great for us...great capacity and good stability. I'll never win any races nor am I discerning enough to tell significant differences in models so that's all I've got. Congrats on the new canoe!

Northstar all the way over the Wenonah MN II. The bow in the MN II is super cramped. Plus, in my humble but experienced opinion, Northstar is a better constructed vessel (the gunwales for example.) Please consider ordering a new set of complete Northwind 18 decals from the Northstar website. That and refinishing the thwart really make it your own. I’m excited for you! You’ll be chomping at the bit all winter! Enjoy paddling!