woods canoe 12
Solo
Length: 12'
Width: 30"
Depth: 12"
Capacity: 395 pounds
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Nearly half of all Slipstream owners paddle with company
Custom Color Combinations Available
instant info about the woods canoe 12
Application
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At 12' long, the Woods Canoe is a go 'most anywhere solo canoe. About half of Woods Canoe paddlers use a canoe paddle sitting high on a traditional cane or webbing canoe seat. The other half prefer sitting low kayak style and use a kayak paddle. She’s at home on twisting streams and large lakes. An exceptional choice for portaging or trips to backwater ponds. The Woods Canoe 12 is also popular due to its extremely light weight which facilitates easy loading on any vehicle.
Ease of Paddling
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The Woods Canoe 12 exhibits good tracking (goes straight). The very shallow arch hull immediately rewards your effort with steering strokes. Stability is comfortable regardless of whether sitting low or at gunnel level. If you regularly paddle in good sized whitecaps and wind, the St Regis 12 or the Impulse 13 will be a better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy boulder gardens on small streams, the Woods Canoe will make you grin. Most paddlers are comfortable with waves in the 12” - 18” size. You’ll love the Woods Canoe on and off the water. The ultralight weight increases mobility and minimizes loading stress.
Comfort
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Multiple seating options and positions are available. Most seating choices are easily adjustable to allow for proper trim when paddling with gear or a paddling pup. The same holds true for your preference of propulsion: kayak paddle, canoe paddle or oars for rowing. Adjustable footrests increase comfort, boat control and drive. It's just a very pleasant canoe to paddle.
Features
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Slight tumblehome for easier paddling. Scupper spacers are standard (aesthetically pleasing, drain water easily and strengthens gunnels). Stong grab loops at bow & stern. Several adjustable seat options. Two flotation choices. Ultralight rot resistant Cedar decks and thwarts. Easily adjustable footrests. Shallow arch hull with full length keel for stability and tracking. Many customizing features including 25 color choices available.
Hand Laminated
weight and cost
KCH - 20 lbs - $1,895
IBKCH - 20 lbs -$1,995
Carbon - 17 lbs - $2,095
vacuum infusion
weight and cost
The Woods Canoe 12 is not yet available in the Vacuum Infusion Process Laminate. The Hand Laminated Version is quite serviceable.
Bob Wolfertz who used to work some
with Bart Hauthaway way back when
A legacy design by John Henry Rushton and modified by Bart Hauthaway in the late 1950s. John was the genius Adirondack boatbuilder from the late 1800s. Bart was one of the pioneers of composite boat building some 60-70 years later.
The Woods Canoe 12 is produced in a two part mold -- the stripe you see is the seam line. It’s possible to build the upper and lower portions in different colors as well as having various seam colors. It’s a great opportunity for creativity in a classic two part construction and color scheme.
The Woods Canoe is extremely stable and may be paddled sitting low kayak style or from a traditional bench style canoe seat at or near gunnel level.
woods canoe 12
special info regarding the
unique nature and cosmetics of the woods canoe
the mold is a museum piece
Slipstream has acquired the original Bart Hauthaway molds from Bob Wolfertz who, at times, worked hand and hand with Bart.
Bart, a true pioneer, was one of the most prolific of composite boatbuilders back in the day when fiberglass was just becoming popular -- Bart had an eye toward lighter weight fabrication and making more boats available at prices much less than costly wood boats.
The original molds being used to fabricate your canoe are unquestionably museum pieces made by Bart many, many years ago. However, they are not what would be called “production tools” by the standards of modern lamination. Our first thought was to rework the design and build “production” quality molds. But then, we contemplated the authentic and legendary value of such treasures and decided to build from the existing molds exactly as they came from Bart’s shop.
As a result, if you look closely, you’ll see a few tiny imperfections here and there on your canoe. They are minor, purely cosmetic and we feel they add to the romance and narrative -- the continuing saga of Bart Hauthaway, John Henry Rushton and the tale of the Woods Canoe.
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Inconsequential loading
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No need to limit paddling to a put-in only a few feet from where you park
No Sweat Loading
The super light nature of the Woods Canoe 12 makes for easy portaging . . . loading or off-loading from your vehicle is inconsequential!!! Outings that you may not have considered in the past become quite doable.
You’ll find the Woods Canoe 12 extremely stable and fun to paddle. The shallow and slightly rounded keel doesn’t hang up on obstacles but makes for a well tracking canoe. The stability and roominess allow the boat to be paddled kayak style, from a traditional bench style canoe seat or from a kneeling position. Canoe paddle or kayak style — you’ll be at home regardless of your preference -- and don't forget rowing.
An afternoon jaunt, a weekend camping trip or a ten day expedition. The generous capacity for paddler, gear, dogs and more make the Woods Canoe 12 a great choice.
at home on tiny
streams and open water
Comfortable enough to sit high or low
Stable enough
to bring a friend
Paddlers that need a bit more capacity than the Wee Lassie find ample usefulness with the Woods Canoe 12.
It’s a pleasant boat to paddle in any style you like. You’ll feel comfortable and secure regardless of conditions.
The Woods Canoe is popular with “paddling pups” and with paddlers who require added stability for using a long lens for photography or binoculars for bird watching. Some artists find the Woods Canoe 12 a great platform for plein air painting offering a great perspective from on the water.
The nitty gritty - otherwise known as the technical geek speak
laminate choices
one size does not fit all
KIS Keep it simple!
If you’re looking for a quick and simple choice that’s strong enough for most conditions and is at the most affordable price range, the Hand Laminated KCH (Kevlar Carbon Hybrid) will do the job. On the other hand, if you want to do a deeper dive, read on.
Some canoes will never strike a rock or submerged stump. Others will frequently scrape along on shallow streams and grind over beaver dams or oyster beds.
Still others may be the paddlers lifeline on remote, potentially hazardous, wilderness adventures. Slipstream offers construction options that will maximize the return on your investment in terms of strength and endurance while minimizing the weight penalty in pounds.
One of the Forest Rangers that paddles a Slipstream called to say “we didn’t paddle the Grasse River today”. Puzzled, we said we didn’t understand. He replied, “today we paddled rocks that had moisture on them”.
Scratches are part of the lifecycle of a canoe. Hull damage is unusual.
laminate options
KCH
A Kevlar & Carbon Hybrid that’s 50% Kevlar and 50% Carbon. Durable enough for most paddlers. Capable of taking occasional scrapes and bumps with rocks, beaver dams, etc.
IBKCH
An Innegra, Basalt, Kevlar & Carbon Hybrid. The most durable laminate Slipstream offers (other than Custom). Intended for paddlers who expect to challenge their boat on shallow rocky streams, backwater trips, beaver dams, etc. IBKCH is about a pound heavier than KCH depending on the model.
CARBON
Pure Carbon is lightest in weight but it is the most vulnerable. Carbon boats are designed for deep water (floating rather than scraping rocks, etc.). Paddling over beaver dams and bouncing down shallow rocky streams will likely cause problems with a pure Carbon laminate.
hand laminated
Pretty Much The Way Bart Hauthaway Did It
Due to the nature of the original Hathaway mold, the Woods Canoe 12
is not available via the Vacuum Infusion Process
Hand Laminated
Hand Laminated hulls are just that — made by hand. The Slipstream method of hand laminating does not involve gel coat — gel coat adds considerable weight (3-7 pounds depending on model). Hand laminating requires an extremely high level of skill because the laminator is working blind and there is no gel coat to hide cosmetic blemishes. Hand laminated hulls are light in weight and tough enough for most paddlers. Resin is worked through the various materials (Kevlar, Innegra, Basalt, Carbon) by hand using brushes, rollers and squeegees. A good laminator can produce an ultralight yet reasonably strong hull.
GUNNELS
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Gunnels are the wood strips along the top of the canoe
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All gunnels have scupper spaces between the inner and outer gunnel
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The scuppers are aesthetically pleasing and reminiscent of the way classic wood boats are made
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Scuppers also make the gunnels a bit stronger and allows for much easier draining of water from the hull
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Gunnels are available in several wood species
Ash
Very light in color, and known for having high strength
Straight grained with a coarse and uniform texture
High level of shock absorbency and flexible
Holds up well with normal use
Cherry
Light yellow to reddish-brown, and darkens over time
Fine grained
High level of shock absorbency and flexible - almost a pound lighter in weight than Ash
Holds up well with normal use, with adequate strength for most paddlers
Mahogany
A bit darker than Cherry, and continues to darken over time
Fine grained - a bit higher cost, but especially stunning when combined with Ash scuppers
High flexibility - almost a pound lighter in weight than Ash
Slightly softer, but adequate strength for most paddlers
Cedar
A bit darker than Cherry, and lighter in weight than all other choices
Requires extra care due to softness
High flexibility
Adequate strength if used with care - intended for competition paddlers and where lightest weight is required
Specialty Woods
Have a special request - give us a call
Fir, Cypress, Ipe and other woods have been used to customize
Make your "one of a kind" vision a reality
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Stronghold gunnels are a third section of gunnel added to further strengthen the inner and outer gunnel
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Typically used for rowing configurations, or for paddlers that use gunnels to support their weight when entering and exiting the boat
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They are a good idea for everyone, but do add a little over a pound to overall weight
stronghold GUNNELS
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Headed to some tougher paddling - ask about reinforcing the hull
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Extra layers can be added to common wear points
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Typically at each end, and under the seat area
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Approximately 1 lb is added in weight, but you gain strength at the most vulnerable points
internal hull reinforcement
seating
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Along with color, eating is probably the most subjective of choices. What works for one body type doesn't suit another. Seat options are best determined through a demo paddle or by testing the comfort factor at our shop.
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The standard Touring Tall seat pleases most paddlers. For those who prefer a bit more luxury, the Extra Comfort Tall seat with a butt gel pack and an adjustable lumbar support is very popular.
Touring Tall
Has a nice tall back and small wings that provide support without restricting movement.
Cushion is adequate for most, although fishermen who spend several hours in the boat without moving much prefer the Extra Comfort Tall seat.
The seat back is easily adjustable to forward, vertical and aft leaning positions.
It is also adjustable forward and aft to compensate for added gear or a dog that may force the hull out of proper trim for optimal paddling.
Back Strap & Seat Pad
This is a minimalist set up.
It’s most popular with paddlers who portage their boat long distances or where weight is the most critical factor.
Back strap is adjustable and its comfort is acceptable.
The seat pad is minimal and sacrifices comfort for weight savings.
Easily adjusted fore and aft to adjust proper hull trim.
Kneeling Thwart
Some paddlers prefer to kneel and use a canoe paddle rather than sitting low and using a kayak paddle.
This position is for experienced paddlers - those who enjoy the increased responsiveness of a canoe paddle appreciate the kneeling position.
Some paddlers combine this option with thigh straps for increased control and stability.
The thwart is fixed and may not be adjusted fore and aft.
Comfort Low Back
Includes separate gel packs for each butt cheek.
The adjustable lumbar support makes long paddles much more relaxed.
Wide shoulder area cradles lower and upper back for maximum contentmentment.
Back support angle is fully adjustable from forward leaning, to vertical, to back leaning.
Easily moved fore and aft to adjust proper hull trim.
Comfort High Back
Includes separate gel packs for each butt cheek.
The adjustable lumbar support makes long paddles much more relaxed.
Wide shoulder area coupled with an even taller back cradles lower and upper back for maximum luxury.
The back support angle is fully adjustable from forward leaning, to vertical, to back leaning.
Easily moved fore and aft to allow for proper hull trim.
Bucket Style
On occasion, a paddler will ask for a permanently installed bucket seat.
It is available but has the disadvantage of being fixed in place which prevents it from moving fore and aft to adjust for proper hull trim.
Many paddlers have brought excellent boats, from other manufacturers, to our shop in order to have their fixed bucket seat removed.
They became fatigued at trying to balance hull trim with rocks or water bags.
Contoured Cane
Slipstream uses only contoured cane or webbing traditional seats.
Solid Ash frames or by special request, Cherry, Walnut and options for different patterns.
Some that include a yoke incorporated into the seat.
Contoured Webbing
Slipstream uses only contoured cane or webbing traditional seats.
Solid Ash frames or by special request, Cherry, Walnut and options for different patterns.
Some that include a yoke incorporated into the seat.
flotation
Your canoe is nearly neutral buoyancy — it will barely float if completely filled with water. 10 - 15 pounds of non-buoyant gear is enough to sink the boat when fully swamped. Many boats leave Slipstream without added flotation. Some paddlers are quite creative using dry bags, extra PFDs and so on to provide needed flotation in the event of a capsize or swamping. Added flotation is safer and wiser.
bulkhead flotation
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Bulkhead style flotation provides an air chamber at each end of the canoe.
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It provides added flotation should the canoe become completely filled with water.
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The bulkhead flotation provides adequate support and remains a permanent part of the hull.
bungee bridle & airbag kit
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The Bungee Bridle and Air Bag flotation kit provides a bit more flotation than the Bulkhead style.
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The bags are quite durable and are installed for circumstances where a swamping or capsizing is possible.
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The bags snap in and out in 15 seconds. They provide enough additional flotation that some paddlers may be able to sit in the swamped boat and paddle to shore rather than swimming while towing a boat.
popular options and specials
Everyone at Slipstream enjoys responding to special requests.
The production Team has custom blended colors, added unique decals, engraved a family photo to the wood deck, created unusual seating applications and much more. We welcome your challenge.
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Custom Laser Engraved decks personalize your canoe like no other.
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Amusing quotes such as the one from Thoreau are popular — “Everyone must believe in something, I believe I’ll go canoeing”.
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Boat names are common.
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Wedding initials and dates are romantic.
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You name it - with Slipstream your vision can be brought to life.
unending options are available upon request
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Special Boat Wax
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Drink Holders
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Walnut Decks
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Removable Carry Handles
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Rowing Rigs
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Sail Rigs
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Fishing Accessories
And so much more - just give a shout and our team can assist in setting up your boat just the way you would like. You'll also find a complete selection of all accessories.
KIS OPTION (Keep It Simple) -- WOODS CANOE 12
$1,974.00 Woods Canoe 12 Hand Laminated in Kevlar & Carbon
Includes:
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Your choice of color (upper & lower may be different) — that’s the only choice you still have to make
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Beautifully finished wood gunnels
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Stronghold Gunnels for extra support
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Touring Tall Seat
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Bulkhead Style Flotation