Swift Drops a New Tandem Tripper - Wabakimi 18

[Glenn MacGrady]

Swift is bringing yet another fine-looking tandem hull to market. Some interesting design features on this one.

Having now watched the video, the Wabakimi looks like another length recycle of the standard Keewaydin design. Bill basically says it's a stretched Keewaydin 16. To me, the only changes are likely to be the modest S kink of the gunwale at the stern seat and the recurved stern, neither of which will enhance performance. But if you want a lightweight, narrow, 18 footer with low freeboard, this could be your $6,000 canoe.

 

[memaquay]

My Winters Winisk is a wonderful lake and river tandem. Too bad the wood is now rotted and the owner has zero wood skills.

I built three winisks as well, loved that canoe. Debating right now about building a 17 foot prospector type canoe or a winisk for the school club. If I ever realize my plan to visit the States, I'll stop in for a day and replace your trim, lol.

 

[chrisrezac]

My wife and I paddle a Wenonah Adirondack tandem, almost always unloaded, except sometimes with our Doberman. We don't use it in whitewater rivers. We use it in saltmarsh, creeks and rivers, bays, and lakes. It has always seemed well mannered in all aspects. No issues controlling it in the wind, no issues with wind waves, no issues with sizeable boat wakes. It performs nicely for us in all regards. And this next point might just be foolish notions and expectations, but there are times when I wouldn't mind a little quicker glide. We've never had any issues with kayak and/or canoe paddling groups. But some days it's just us covering some water and seeing all the sights. And those are those days where a little extra glide would always be pleasing to me. Not for need. Simply pleasing. There are a couple of longer tandems that have caught my attention. This Swift Wabakimi, and the Northstar Boreas. Forget the tumblehome on the Boreas for solo paddling purposes. I'm thinking of it more for shedding some wind. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Alan Gage]

My wife and I paddle a Wenonah Adirondack tandem, almost always unloaded, except sometimes with our Doberman. We don't use it in whitewater rivers. We use it in saltmarsh, creeks and rivers, bays, and lakes. It has always seemed well mannered in all aspects. No issues controlling it in the wind, no issues with wind waves, no issues with sizeable boat wakes. It performs nicely for us in all regards. And this next point might just be foolish notions and expectations, but there are times when I wouldn't mind a little quicker glide. We've never had any issues with kayak and/or canoe paddling groups. But some days it's just us covering some water and seeing all the sights. And those are those days where a little extra glide would always be pleasing to me. Not for need. Simply pleasing. There are a couple of longer tandems that have caught my attention. This Swift Wabakimi, and the Northstar Boreas. Forget the tumblehome on the Boreas for solo paddling purposes. I'm thinking of it more for shedding some wind. Anyone have any thoughts?

I think it depends on how hard you're pushing the canoe you have now. It's been my experience that you don't get speed for free. If you're both strong paddlers and you're pushing the Adirondack pretty hard then you certainly might see a speed benefit from a "faster" hull.

On the other hand, if you're just cruising along at a casual pace (no one is getting tired or short on breath) then you probably aren't going to get much free speed by moving to a faster hull.

Faster boats reward improved technique and effort where a slower boat will be more prone to 'maxing out' earlier.

Alan

 

[dutchlennart]

Depending on what brands local to you can be found
Wenonah escape or jensen18 or minnsaosta 2
Savage rives susquahaa
Grb nemwan monarch
H2o biulds a fast 17 ft as well
Nova craft is less fancy but their cronje will glide nicely compared to the andir9ndack.

And 8 forget a number of others. Some i knew . some i do not know yet

 

[chrisrezac]

We're kind of in that in between area. We participate in an occasional paddle race, but mostly just for fun. That said, we pay attention to technique, and take some pride in attempting to be technically sound, strong paddlers. I'm not looking for an expedition canoe, but one that does just as well lightly loaded with regard to the wind. I don't want to get too race-oriented. Something pleasurable for lighter carefree cruising, as well as for pushing hard - which usually cycles through a couple times even on carefree cruising days just for invigorating fun. The Wenonah Escape seems like it could fit in there too. Add a foot and a half of length. Reduce waterline width by a couple inches. 350 pounds give or take for a pair of fairly energetic paddlers. Could we get a little boost in glide without a big hit to handling manners when some wind catches us with any of these? I think it's likely. But I also know that hull shape can make one 17' hull feel sluggish and another feel comparatively efficient. I don't think dimensions alone tell the whole story. Who knows? Maybe it's not worth it?

 

[PortageW/Cerberus]

I guess I'm Wabakimi-Curious the same way I'm (savage river) Muskoka-Curious. A light, fast tripper is very interesting.

Just need to sell more plasma...

 

[Alan Gage]

We're kind of in that in between area. We participate in an occasional paddle race, but mostly just for fun. That said, we pay attention to technique, and take some pride in attempting to be technically sound, strong paddlers. I'm not looking for an expedition canoe, but one that does just as well lightly loaded with regard to the wind. I don't want to get too race-oriented. Something pleasurable for lighter carefree cruising, as well as for pushing hard - which usually cycles through a couple times even on carefree cruising days just for invigorating fun.

It certainly sounds like you might appreciate something a bit quicker and more sporty. If I was you I'd start looking at some used boats just to get a feel for their speed, sea worthiness, and how they handle. Maybe you find something that fits you perfectly or maybe you just find some old beater that gives you some enjoyment and helps you focus in on the best canoe for you.

I'd be looking for:

Sawyer Cruiser
Jensen 17 or 18
Wenonah Sundowner

Those aren't terribly uncommon and can usually be had pretty cheap. All are nice paddling boats and I think would serve you well, even if only as a stepping stone.

Alan

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Jensen 17 or 18
Wenonah Sundowner

Those aren't terribly uncommon and can usually be had pretty cheap. All are nice paddling boats and I think would serve you well, even if only as a stepping stone.

Good idea. I see those two for sale more often than most other composite canoes. Don't know if that's good or bad, but it shouldn't be much waiting or expense to try one out. They look good to me.