BWCA Wenonah Sundowner Royalex.....Who owns one? Boundary Waters Gear Forum


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Wenonah Sundowner Royalex.....Who owns one?

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Last Visit: 05/19/2013 04:43AM
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MeatHunter

06/21/2012 04:12PM

Bought this canoe a while back from an outfitter. Canoe was in pretty bad shape. Double skid plates on both ends to cover up cuts, gouges and such. I have since refinished the entire canoe and it turned out great. Today, we decided to take it out and give it a try to see how it handles.

I found it to be pretty unstable with just the boy and myself in it. No secondary stability to speak of. I tried to tip it and it just did a nice steady roll and in the water we went. Now on my alumacraft, the secondary stability kicks in, you can feel it and have to work at dumping it.

So, my question is. For those of you who do own the royalex version, how much more stable, if any, does it become when loaded with gear? Myself, I weigh 245, my son 160 and gear weighs in at 100#. Do you think that extra 100# is gonna make a whole lot of difference?

I know it took me a few times to get used to our aluminum canoe, but wanted to take this one up this weekend as it is a bit lighter. But I also don't want to go swimming against my will.

Any input is appreciated.

Some people see nature as being made "Just for them", and view others as an invasive species.....

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MeatHunter

06/21/2012 07:36PM

Ok, an update. We went out again, and loaded the canoe with two rimmed truck tires to simulate the load of our packs. Stability was greatly improved. Not at great as the Alumacraft, but much much better. Stopped by the outfitter that my son works for in Laneboro and talked to him about it. He said that they are made for haulin gear but if I still felt uneasy about taking it,he would loan me his MN II. What a guy. Declined his offer but man, what a nice gesture.

So, I feel a bit more comfortable about taking this one out. Still oil canned a bit, don't know what I can do about that, but I think she will work out just fine.

Some people see nature as being made "Just for them", and view others as an invasive species.....

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eagle93

06/22/2012 07:03AM

Have used 17 ft sundowners in the BW for the last 12 years. Over 50 trips with teenagers and only one dump. Two strong paddlers both paddled on the same side at the same time. If these inexperienced paddlers can handle it, I'm sure you can too.We have had them in some pretty nasty water (to challenge the kids) and they handled it well, but that was loaded. They are the fastest Rx boats on the water. I think you'll learn to love it.

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