Canoe Quartet
Four new , highly specialized rides
by Alan S. Kesselheim
Esquif Pocket Canyon
DOWNRIVER WEEKENDER
Esquif Pocket Canyon
$1,320esquif.com
- L: 14 ft 6 in
- W: 34.5 in
- D: 15.5 in
- 59 lbs.
- Available in: Royalex
A radically downsized version of Esquif’s expedition-oriented Canyon, this tandem canoe is designed for moving water, tight maneuvers, and a modes load. Four inches of rocker lends quick pivoting ability and the short length makes the boat easy to handle. The Royalex Pocket Canyon comes standard with vinyl trim and web seats, but can also be set up with a saddle for longer, solo tripping. This is not, however, an entry-level canoe; develop your paddling chops a bit before you hop in.
Nova Craft Cronje
TANDEM CRUISER
Nova Craft Cronje
$1,449-$2,999, novacraft.com
- L: 17 ft
- W: 35 in
- D: 21/13/21 in
- 47 to 60 lbs
- Available in Kevlar, Kevlar/ Spectra, Blue Steel, and Royalex Light
Another offering in Nova Craft’s line of hulls resurrected from the Chestnut Canoe Company, the Cronje conjures images of the Boundary Waters’ furthest reaches. The shallow hull, arched bottom, and almost flat waterline make the Cronje a machine for connecting Point A to Point B. Winds don’t push it around; it tracks fast and true across open water. Recurved ends give it classic lines and a bit of tumblehome encourages ergonomic strokes—all with the ability to carry 1,000 pounds with six inches of freeboard.
Wenonah Wilderness
SOLO TRIPPER
Wenonah Wilderness
$1,099-$2,529, wenonah.com
- L: 15 ft 4 in
- W: 30.5 in
- D: 19/14/17 in
- 31-47 lb.
- Available in: Royalex, Tuf-weave Flex-core, Kevlar Flex-core, Kevlar Ultra-light, and Graphite Ultra-light
Known for their big tandem canoes (and as pioneers of three- and four-person boats), Wenonah scaled down their latest offering. The Wilderness fills the solo expedition gap in Wenonah’s extensive catalog, combining load-handling volume, wave-shedding depth, muscle-soothing tumblehome, and a hint of rocker for maneuverability. With nice hull speed, adept ferrying ability, and stability to keep you dry, this is a great boat for, say, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
Mad River Reflection
TOURING TANDEM
Mad River Reflection 17
$1,180-$1,580, madrivercanoe.com
- L: 17 ft 4 in
- W: 35.5 in
- D: 17/13/17 in
- 66-70 lbs.
- Available in: Royalex
Mad River has revived several popular and successful Dagger canoes, including the Reflection 17, which takes a 900-pound load and tracks true across open water, but has enough bow rocker that it won’t fight you on moving current. Lightweight and surprisingly nimble for a longer canoe, the Royalex hull can be outfitted with aluminum, wood, or Mad River’s patented IQ gunwale packages-which feature tracks that accept various accessories, from spray covers to dry bags to cup holders. Perfect for getting away from it all—without straying too far.
| Posted on Wed Jun17, 2009, 11:45 PM by bade |
| As we know , we can find lots ofchi hair straightener fans ,lots of cheap ugg boots store have been open worldwide. |
| Posted on Tue Jul14, 2009, 9:36 PM by Mike Tidd |
| What ever happened to Pat Moore Canoes, I have a 13 ft. Dandy, it is around 35 years old, been kept inside, but paddled often. I know there were is legal problems, close to 20 years ago, but the molds and plans have got to be somewhere. Thanks, I enjoy your website, but I am an old canoeist, that thinks kayaks are ok, I just prefer my open boat. |
| Posted on Wed Aug26, 2009, 9:45 PM by Jim Kaiser |
| Good to hear admiration for Pat Moore Canoes. I purchased 17' 68-lb Peter Pond II in Indy back in early 80's. As Indy resident, I remember hearing from seller that the PPII was built from "memory" after fire event destroyed original blueprints. Canoe still in great shape and has served me well on many extended "solo" trips with 2 well-behaved large 100+ lb dog companions laying comfortably in center section when unable to track me by running along shoreline or cross large open water areas. The canoe handled very well in stormy weather with the extra balast including 1-2 large Duluth/Superior packs. Cut my teeth at early age canoeing Quetico Provincial Park for many years during 3-week outings in heavy Grumman canoes using old, hefty wooden paddles, so able to appreciate the lightweight design features of larger touring Pat Moore Canoe line. I would like to hear from other owners of the Peter Pond series and share photos or stories, esp. from folks interested in selling/buying Pat M |
| Posted on Fri Aug28, 2009, 3:52 PM by Michael T. Cmero Sr. |
| With the high price of gasoline,I notice a lot of fisherman are using kayaks and canoes.I am a little afraid of them for the salt water,and lakes like finger lakes in NY state! I also fish the Norwalk Islands in L.I. Sound.Sometimes I will fish the Hudson River ect.ect.What do you recomend for me? And if I get a canoe or Kayak I would have to get a self loading for (easy 1 man loading) on top of my 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor which is a good size SUV. Thanks in advance Mike Cmero Sr. |
| Posted on Sat Oct10, 2009, 7:27 PM by John Hostetler |
| I have a Pat Moore Voager canoe with a damaged gunwhale and would to find out where I can get a replacement or have it straightened. |
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