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keth0601

01/26/2012 08:15AM

Ok so I'm going to buy my second kevlar canoe this year I've decided. I already have a Spirit II and I love it. However I have two issues this year that I want to address. One is the odd number trips I want to get a 3 seat canoe, probably a MNIII. The other is a better long distance canoe. The spiritII is a great canoe very stable and agile, but it doesn't glide across the water as easily as some others. So for really long distance trips I feel like I'm putting alot more work into paddling than I really need to. So for this reason I'm thinking about getting a MNII. I've never paddled a MNII before but I hear they are as fast and easy paddling as any canoe out there.

So I guess I'm just looking for a nudge in one direction or the other. I'm only getting one, though I wish I could get both. ;P

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Jackfish

Moderator

01/26/2012 08:55AM

I don't own a MN II, but I have been in the bow of one. It's VERY narrow up there. I'm 6'3" and would have a hard time spending a trip and fishing out of that spot. Just something to consider. A test paddle might be a good idea before buying. Not all canoes with good glide are made the same.

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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OBX2Kayak

01/26/2012 07:17PM

quote Jackfish: "I don't own a MN II, but I have been in the bow of one. It's VERY narrow up there. I'm 6'3" and would have a hard time spending a trip and fishing out of that spot."

Or, just bring a smaller bow partner.

"I go because it irons out the wrinkles in my soul" -- Sigurd Olson

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outdoors4me

01/26/2012 07:38PM

I've never paddled a MNIII but I did own a MNII for a number of years. Jackfish is right about the bow being tight for larger paddlers.

I also agree with what you've heard - I have not paddled any other canoe that glides quite like the MNII. I sold my MNII because we wanted more room and comfort for fishing in the bow. At the time, we replaced it with a SR Q17. I was never really happy with that canoe as it was too much of a drop off in efficiency from the MNII.

I eventually sold that one and after renting an Itasca for a trip decided to purchase one of my own. I've had the Itasca for a number of years now and have been very happy with it. It has very good glide (but not quite that of the MNII), is stable, and has plenty of room in the bow. It would also easily carry three paddlers - you could install the spring creek yoke/seat for the third paddler.

I know it isn't one of the choices you are currently considering but I would definitely recommend test paddling one as it may be able to take care of both the issues you want to address with a single purchase.

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walllee

01/26/2012 07:46PM

I agree with Jackfish. I was thinking of purchasing a MN II also. My main focus is fishing and there was not enough room for my fishing partner in that canoe. Even with the sliding seat all the way back it did not help the situation. My wife is 5'2",and it was not even comfortable fishing for her. They are great on the water as far as speed and tracking, but are a little tippy compared to other models.

I finally decided on a Souris River. Check out the Redrock store in Ely website. There is some great info and comparisons. Do not get me wrong Wenonah makes some great canoes, but I think Souris are better made and a lot more stable.

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twston

01/27/2012 04:43PM

I called customer service and got some great recommendations. I would love to be able to test drive but there is no one who stocks them any where near by. I simply told them what the most important things were and was very happy with them.
Wenonah Canoe
P.O. Box 247
Winona, MN 55987
Phone (507) 454-5430

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dprochef

01/27/2012 08:19PM

just a thought, have you considered getting a Solo canoe. thus giving you a three person capacity on a trip. It would also give you a solo option if you ever desired.

Overall you may not be as fast, but the flexibility might be something you may enjoy.

Courage is being scared to death... but saddling up anyway....John Wayne

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