Here are some pics of the NEW Bell Composite NorthWind Canoe!
Enjoy the pics and watch the youtube to learn more.

Weight 42 lbs width at yoke 36" Outside to Outside length 17.5 ft.
depth 12.5"

SunCatcher
NorthWind with NO tumblehome

RockStar showing tumblehome

(Red/Yellow Tweed on Outside Kevlar)




Youtube Review of New Bell Composites NorthWind Canoe

Thanks for the review Paul. That is sure a nice canoe. Someday...

Officially back in business!

Nice.

Currently in production of Northwinds and Northwoods (No tumblehome) Will also be making Magic's....I think same design as before on those?? VERY LIMITED SUPPLY to start with the first year.

A composite canoe with tumblehome requires a two piece mold from end to end that meets in the middle and is bolted.
Then you unbolt it, and pop the mold off each end. Otherwise you could not get the canoe out of the mold.

The New NorthWoods and NorthWinds will NOT have tumblehome, as it would require a two piece mold, and Ted is using a one piece mold for those two models. Same "ship" except for the tumblehome as far as I can tell.

Not sure but I am thinking when the magics go back into production, He will change very little if anything from the original design.

SunCatcher

Thanks for the post, update, and video review of Bell canoes SunCatcher. It's good to hear that Ted Bell will be producing canoes again, albeit limited.

I always thought it was a shame that ORC terminated production of Bell canoes a couple of years ago. Bell had too many great hull designs to have the molds sitting in some warehouse collecting dust.

I always regretted not adding a Bell "Magic" to my livery, but now it seems I may have an opportunity once again. Hopefully, Ted won't modify the original "Magic" hull design as he did with the "Northwind 17".

I can understand why he would eliminate the "shouldered tumblehome" design on the "Northwind 17". (I'm assuming this was done to simplify production by using a one-piece mold?)

Additionally, I don't think the "shouldered tumblehome" in the tandem designs is as critical as it is in the solo canoes, especially the "Magic". I'm no canoe designer, but I know what to look for and what I like in certain canoe and kayak designs.

Given the solo "nature" of the "Magic", especially a solo canoe that many deem as a "Sit n' Switch" design, it would diminish the design advantage of that hull design if the "tumblehome" was eliminated by use of a once-piece mold in my opinion. Hopefully Ted will produce the "Magic" as it was before.

I look forward to seeing the new Bell "Magics" and other Bell canoes being available once again. I'm also looking forward to the opinion of "yellowcanoe" on this subject.

Hans

What a beauty! On my wish list...

New Bell designs probably have more to do with who has the license to produce the old designs. It can be complicated between mfr and designer as to royalties. If ORC still owns the rights to make the old hulls, Ted has little choice but to tweak them and make them a little difference.

Tumblehome is usually a good thing, but absence of is one of those things that can set a new design apart.

Yost and Wilson could elaborate..perhaps not on the specifics of this case but in terms of when that has happened in canoe making history.

Wishing Ted a good vigorous resurgence!

Sweet new ride!

very nice! Thanks for the review and sneak peak. Maybe I should have held off on last falls Northwoods purchase. Nah, I like that tumblehome and the color.

I am NO EXPERT on solo canoe's, but the tumblehome create's a narrower area around the "paddling station" (more than likely wrong terminology). It gets the paddler closer to the side of the canoe.
It also helps on Secondary Stability with that shoulder there.
So I really like it in my Wildfire Royalex and My RockStar Kevlar.
I see -0- need for it in the Northwind, other than I feel it makes for a Purdier Vessel.
SunCatcher

quote SunCatcher: "I am NO EXPERT on solo canoe's, but the tumblehome create's a narrower area around the "paddling station" (more than likely wrong terminology). It gets the paddler closer to the side of the canoe.
It also helps on Secondary Stability with that shoulder there.
So I really like it in my Wildfire Royalex and My RockStar Kevlar.
I see -0- need for it in the Northwind, other than I feel it makes for a Purdier Vessel.
SunCatcher"

I couldn't agree with you more "SunCatcher".

Hans Solo

quote SunCatcher: "I am NO EXPERT on solo canoe's, but the tumblehome create's a narrower area around the "paddling station" (more than likely wrong terminology). It gets the paddler closer to the side of the canoe.
It also helps on Secondary Stability with that shoulder there.
So I really like it in my Wildfire Royalex and My RockStar Kevlar.
I see -0- need for it in the Northwind, other than I feel it makes for a Purdier Vessel.
SunCatcher"

Right terminology! It can come in handy for tandem boats that tend to be heeled way over.

Which is seldom done by trippers. Its been a good day in the shop.

Great looking canoe Paul, nice review also.

butthead

I was looking at Northwinds years ago when contemplating a new tripping Tandem. One question - was the 12.5" center depth the same on the previous Nothwinds? Don't seem to recall it as 12.5". Just seems a tad shallow for a tripping boat with that beam and length. Very pretty boat though!

Moonman.

Perhaps a stupid question, but where can one purchase these new toys? I recall seeing a couple of Craigslist, but, beyond that, any way to secure one?

quote SunCatcher: " ..... Not sure but I am thinking when the magics go back into production, He will change very little if anything from the original design.


SunCatcher"

That'd be the best news for me, as I have a new 'old style' Northwind, but my Magic will need to be replaced someday. I'll just have to wear dark glasses while paddling it.

quote Moonman: "I was looking at Northwinds years ago when contemplating a new tripping Tandem. One question - was the 12.5" center depth the same on the previous Nothwinds? Don't seem to recall it as 12.5". Just seems a tad shallow for a tripping boat with that beam and length. Very pretty boat though!

Moonman."

Older Bell Northwind Specs

hey Thanks Luft.

I see the depth used to be 14" - sounds like what I remembered and fairly standard for tripping boats that size. Wonder why its reduced on the new models? Seems a poor way to get around boat rights if that was the issue.

Moonman

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad to hear it...thanks for the pics

Congrats on the new ride Sunny. Will part 2 of the review be posted once you do some paddling in her?

Very Nice Sunny! Congrats!

Very nice Sunny and congrats! You were only about 15 miles from me when you picked it up.

Find a new owner for that beautiful Northstar yet?

@moonman It could be 14", but measureing with tape off the inside of the canoe, on top of the floatation it is about 13.
@ AndySG I will review it when it goes in the water.
@ ducks not yet on the NorthStar, but not a matter of life and death,
nothing wrong with adding to the fleet :)

SunCatcher

Such great news!!
Hopefully this time I won't get left out in the cold.

quote SunCatcher: "@moonman It could be 14", but measureing with tape off the inside of the canoe, on top of the floatation it is about 13.
@ AndySG I will review it when it goes in the water.
@ ducks not yet on the NorthStar, but not a matter of life and death,
nothing wrong with adding to the fleet :)


SunCatcher"

You know I was kind of thinking that but didn't want to say anything sorta questioning your measurement, although I guess it would probably be the first time I guy said it was an inch or so less than it actually was :)

A fine boat nonetheless and one that will be great for wilderness tripping.

Moonman.

The rationale for tumblehome in a tandem is the same as a solo; to narrow the rail at the paddling station, allowing comfortable application of strokes with a vertical paddleshaft.

This is a huge issue in solos, where the paddler is near the widest part of the boat, important in the bow, where smaller paddlers are seated farther back from the stem, and often insignificant in stern, with larger paddlers seated pretty close to the stem.

So it goes, nice that Ted is back in the marketplace, he made his choices as he saw best.

quote Frenchy19: "Perhaps a stupid question, but where can one purchase these new toys? I recall seeing a couple of Craigslist, but, beyond that, any way to secure one?"

I had the same question. When you google "Bell Composites" you get a company that makes huge catamaran sailboats in Florida.

His place is someplace in Zimmerman, MN, correct? Visiting there was scratched off of my To-Do List, but now it's back on. We're often at my father-in-law's in Princeton, so might be a nice day trip.

OK, so who's got one on order or plans to order one?!

Wow!!....canoe porn!!

Hey paddlers – I just finished talking with Ted Bell. Here’s the latest on his new canoe enterprise, Bell Composites.

Ted is very much back in the canoe-building business! For now, he is in a limited production mode. In fact, his production schedule is currently booked out through April.

The good news is you can get your orders in now! Currently four dealers offer his canoes:

Piragis in Ely

Carl's Paddlin' near Madison

Kansas City Paddler

Raquette River Outfitters in New York

Ted is building two boats at this time: the Northwind17 and the Northwind18. (The boats are actually 17’6” and 18’9”, respectively.) Bell Composites will also be offering a 16’6” solo canoe this spring, modeled after the old Bell Magic. He’s also planning a website. So stay tuned!

Puckster

Awesome! Thanks for the update "puckster".

looking forward to seeing the new magic.

quote kanoes: "looking forward to seeing the new magic."

+1

Thanks Puckster and Sun Catcher for the updates. This is great news. Bells are great canoes that also look good. I have a CJ Solo Kevlar that is a nice solo boat, and a Northwind Royalex that is fantastic for rivers and does not break you at 60 pounds in the BWCAW. Glad Ted is back in charge. Hope to see him with boats at Canoecopia in 2014.

Good to hear that he is building canoes again. Wanted a Rockstar in the worst way. Will have to see what the newer 16'6" solo will be like...

quote Tebpac: "Wanted a Rockstar in the worst way."

Absolutely, me too...Never figured I wouldn't be able to find one, but alas, I scour the web everyday in hopes one might become available...

Winner

Surprised there is no mention of Midwest Mountaineering as a seller.
In TB back yard, so to say.
CB

quote Tebpac: "Good to hear that he is building canoes again. Wanted a Rockstar in the worst way. Will have to see what the newer 16'6" solo will be like..."

There is still one left at Oak Orchard. I know it's in NY, but here's a link. If you scroll down to the Bell canoes and it's right under the Rob Roys.
Rock Star at Oak Orchard

quote ozarkpaddler: "

quote Tebpac: "Good to hear that he is building canoes again. Wanted a Rockstar in the worst way. Will have to see what the newer 16'6" solo will be like..."

There is still one left at Oak Orchard. I know it's in NY, but here's a link. If you scroll down to the Bell canoes and it's right under the Rob Roys.
Rock Star at Oak Orchard "

That's great work, OP...can you find me one in Royalex?

Winner

Ted Bell lives 16 miles from me!

Making my sign now! "Will work for canoes!"

Has anyone see the Aluminum trim version? Wondering if he's using the same 'hidden rivet' rails that Bell was using?

As far as trim goes on the new Bell Composite canoes:

The aluminum trim is the same as the old Bell Canoe Works canoes.

Aluminum trim includes the two piece rail system, a wood yoke, aluminum thwarts, and ash cane seats riveted through the side walls.

Puckster

I have a Bell North WEoods Touring 18' 9" canoe for sale with 4 paddles. In water 1 time, garage kept. Serial # DQH04403J 001. Make offer.

Jerry

Just bought our Bell Composite this weekend at the Expo and picking it up this weekend. Very excited!!! :)

quote McVacek: "Just bought our Bell Composite this weekend at the Expo and picking it up this weekend. Very excited!!! :)"

we expect photos.

I finally got up close to them. They're as pretty as you'd expect. I'd like to see all the tumblehome come back, but it wouldn;t stop me from picking one up.

I like it without the "Bell Curve" as they used to call it. Didnt make sense to me in a tandem, need it for a solo though. Buddy has a Northwind and packs catch on the narrower rails when loading/unloading.
CB

Shouldered tumblehome in the old Bell Canoes was there for seaworthiness. At least to make it better. Waves hitting the side of the boat had a better chance of being deflected down with the flare of the hull coming up high before breaking at the shoulder.

Nevertheless that feature was most appreciated by tandem teams doing extreme canoe heel and did not keep all broadside waves from slopping in

Ted is using a one piece mold. Its impossible to put shouldered tumblehome in a composite using a one piece mold.

I believe I see tumblehome on Ted's new Magic .

quote AndySG: "I believe I see tumblehome on Ted's new Magic ."

He had one at the MWM Expo. They look great. Nice to have them back!

Does anyone know how the new Black Light stacks up against the old Black Gold? Same thing? I saw a Black Light hanging in Midwest and it looked sort of green but that could have been the lights shinning through, hard to tell.

quote AndySG: "I believe I see tumblehome on Ted's new Magic ."

The MAGIC will have tumblehome he told me.

SunCatcher

quote Ragged: "Does anyone know how the new Black Light stacks up against the old Black Gold? Same thing? I saw a Black Light hanging in Midwest and it looked sort of green but that could have been the lights shinning through, hard to tell. "

Does anyone know that answer to this?

I have the BG old NorthStar, and at times it does show a tint of green in the old Black Gold? Do not know why and do not know if the material is the same Carbon Fiber from the BG models, but the "New Magic" is pretty much the same design as the old one, I would say with few if any design changes.

SunCatcher

Please consider that the VE resin has some coloration, and that, in conjunction with Kevlar 49's yellow, 25% Kev 29 in red, and , maybe, black carbon may yield a greenish tint.

Addressing carbon composition, no canoe builder, except, maybe, Wenonah, is in a position to dictate the chemical composition of their carbon purchases. The mil spec boron-carbon used in fly rod blanks and F35s is not for boatbuilders.

CEW

I have been dreaming of a Blackgold Magic to match my Northwind. I hope Blacklight is the same as the old Balckgold

I am close to Zimmerman. Maybe I'll get a chance to stop in and ask in person.

I'm hoping you folks that have experience with the Northwind can answer this question, as I have never personally seen a Northwind in person. I see it has a kneeling thwart for solo use, so I was wondering how this canoe handles solo. I was also wondering, if a third seat was added in place of the kneeling thwart on the 17'6" Northwind, would it make the area in front of that third seat too narrow for a portage pack for those times when there are two of us in the canoe and the third seat is not used? Thanks in advance.

I have the kneeling thwart in a Northwind (not all do) but haven't paddled it solo for any length of time so I can't help with that. I would also have to add a third seat to solo because I have a knee that needs replacement. I think you would still be able to place a pack there for when using as a tandem if you put in a permanent third seat.

Another option would to be to use the Spring Creek Outfitters removable third seat. It comes out quickly without tools and you would not compromise your capacity when using as a tandem tripper.

quote thinblueline: "I'm hoping you folks that have experience with the Northwind can answer this question, as I have never personally seen a Northwind in person. I see it has a kneeling thwart for solo use, so I was wondering how this canoe handles solo. I was also wondering, if a third seat was added in place of the kneeling thwart on the 17'6" Northwind, would it make the area in front of that third seat too narrow for a portage pack for those times when there are two of us in the canoe and the third seat is not used? Thanks in advance."

I bought a used northwind with a kneeling thwart. I hate kneeling so last year I replaced the kneeling thwart with a 3rd seat. There is 24" between the center thwart and the 3rd seat, should be plenty for a most packs. There is also 20" inches between the middle and rear seat. I have paddled it solo, unloaded, from the rear seat, the kneeling thwart, and a bit from the 3rd seat. It's a big canoe to be paddling alone and unloaded in the wind. But it works out pretty well if you like to spend more time on the water than your tripping partners.

IIRC there are a couple trip reports from Unclemoose who took a Northwind solo through Quetico.

Basic Math:

NorthWind is 36" wide at max beam, a few inches aft of center, maybe 33.5" wide at the third thwart station where kneeling thwarts are installed and where a third seat would be placed.

Of the some 120 solo canoes made in the last two decades, only four are that wide, and three of those are billed as combi boats. Worse, NorthWind is wider forward of the solo paddling station so the catch is compromised; the stroke almost forced into including sweeping components. The removal of the unique tumblehome does not improve this situation. Lastly, the bow is maybe ten feet forward of the paddling station and will not respond to bow draws.

In sum, NorthWind is a fine tandem that can be soloed, but not well or happily.

quote CharlieWilson: "Basic Math:


NorthWind is 36" wide at max beam, a few inches aft of center, maybe 33.5" wide at the third thwart station where kneeling thwarts are installed and where a third seat would be placed.


Of the some 120 solo canoes made in the last two decades, only four are that wide, and three of those are billed as combi boats. Worse, NorthWind is wider forward of the solo paddling station so the catch is compromised; the stroke almost forced into including sweeping components. The removal of the unique tumblehome does not improve this situation. Lastly, the bow is maybe ten feet forward of the paddling station and will not respond to bow draws.


In sum, NorthWind is a fine tandem that can be soloed, but not well or happily."

Yeah, I kind of figured as much, and I guess I never really had the idea of taking a solo trip with it for the reasons you cited. I was kind of thinking of those times when I am tandem tripping, with either my wife or one of my sons, and they don't want to do the early morning fishing thing, or don't want to go with me on a firewood run or something. I kind of thought it would be nice to have the third seat then for a short outing by myself, knowing that I probably wouldn't stray too far from camp in case the lake kicked up. I just simply can't kneel, since I had so much cartilege removed from one knee and probably have another knee surgery coming somewhere in my future. I guess in those situations it would be just as easy to bring along a sling seat that I can throw in the middle, and keep the width of my rear cargo area.

I took my NorthStar on a solo for 6 days, and did 50+ miles, It is to big honestly, but I know the PineKnot has soloed with a NorthWind and done several with it. Charlie is correct, the paddling Station is really wide and makes it uncomfortable to paddle. Also a bitch in the wind, because of the size of the boat catching the wind, not like having gear for two with two paddlers so you are higher in the water.

Might email PineKnot though as he is a experienced NorthWind solo paddler.

SunCatcher

nice boats from Bell but i had to replace every screw along both thwarts because they wern't holding the inner and outer together after
6 years of BW/Q use.this is the Pathfinder they made as a one off for the 100th birthday of the Chestnut Canoe Co.
otherwise a perfect boat for a old guy to carry at 37 pounds.

quote CharlieWilson: In sum, NorthWind is a fine tandem that can be soloed, but not well or happily."

I will attest to that.