impulse 13
Solo / Tandem
Length: 13'
Width: 29"
Depth: 11.5"
Carry Capacity: 550 pounds
ORDER The KIS (Keep It Simple) Version (all you choose is color) - details at bottom
OR
Scroll through this page and select every component of your new boat
The versatile Impulse 13 tracks better than any 13' canoe we know of.
instant info about the impulse 13
Application
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The Impulse 13 is an unusually versatile canoe. Paddle it canoe style, kayak style or even rowing. Streams, lakes, pond hopping or open water. Many paddlers have taken remarkable adventures in their Impulse. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (740 miles from Old Forge, NY to Fort Kent, ME -- the Susquehanna 444 (444 miles from Cooperstown, NY to Havre de Grace, MD on Chesapeake Bay) -- the entire Mississippi River (from the headwaters at Lake Itasca, MN to the Gulf of Mexico). An excellent choice for portaging or trips to backwater ponds especially where significant carrying capacity is important. The Impulse is also popular due to its extremely light weight which facilitates easy loading and one trip portages.
Ease of Paddling
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The Impulse 13 tracks (goes straight) better than any canoe we know of until you move into the 16' and longer range. The shallow V hull transitions to a shallow arch which instantly responds to steering strokes. Stability is excellent with most paddlers instantly forgetting about staying upright and thoroughly enjoying the amazing glide of the Impulse . The low profile translates to minimal windage so maintaining course in wind is a cinch. Most paddlers are confident with waves in the 12” - 24” size. At only 19 pounds and the optional ability to be paddled tandem, the Impulse meets a lot of needs .
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. The Impulse has the stability, capacity and space to accommodate you, your gear, a dog and even a second paddler (Crossover Option) should the need arise..
Features
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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 for stability. Many customizing features including 25 color choices available. While standard outfitting works well, an optional, removable (without tools) thwart / yoke enables the Impulse 13 to be more perfectly reconfigured to allow for gear, dogs, etc.
Hand Laminated
weight and cost
KCH - 19 lbs - $1,945
IBKCH - 19 lbs -$2,045
Carbon - 15 lbs - $2,095
vacuum infusion
weight and cost
KCH - 19 lbs - $2,499
IBKCH - 19 lbs - $2,688
Carbon - 15 lbs - $2,880
The Impulse 13 came to be at a paddler’s request. He loved the Wee Lassie but it was too small for him, his gear and his dog. The original plan was to cut a 10’6” Wee Lassie in half, separate the ends by two and a half feet and fill in the center space with fiberglass. Nothing pretty — just enough to make the boat safe in an effort to help this one paddler. He also asked for a boat that would track exceptionally well.
As the work progressed, it seemed clear that we might as well make the boat as perfect as possible instead of a one-off kind of hull. The one off boat suddenly became a plug. A plug is the shape of the boat — it’s used to build the mold around. The plug was completed. The mold was completed. The Impulse 13 became what is now a very popular reality.
Wee Lassie’s big sister, the Impulse 13 went into production many years ago and has been hugely popular ever sense. It’s a unique design for several reasons:
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The hull has just under one inch of reverse rocker. When viewed in profile, most hulls are either flat along the keel line or smile shaped.
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The Impulse 13 has ends that are an inch deeper in the water than the center of the boat.
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Instead of a smile, it has a slight frown shape but it won’t make you sad. The slight reverse rocker makes the Impulse 13 track exceptionally well — literally like a sixteen or seventeen foot long canoe.
impulse 13
EXCEPTIONAL VERSAILITY
The Impulse 13 is unusually adaptable. Paddle it sitting low pack boat style or kayak style using a kayak paddle.
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Sit high on a traditional bench style canoe seat of cane or webbing using a canoe paddle. The Impulse has stability that enables sitting low or high
OR
Due to its uncommon tracking attributes, order a sail rig and, according to Patrick at Falcom Sails, you’ve got “the lightest sailboat in the world”
OR
Order the Impulse 13 with the “Crossover Option” and you may paddle solo or tandem.
Inconsequential loading and unloading - a true "Non Issue"
No need to limit paddling to a put-in only a few feet from where you park - the freedom to access that "special spot"
There's plenty of room for the Lab but Labs love water
The super light nature of the Impulse 13 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.
AND ANOTHER THING ABOUT PORTAGING
A backwoods portage typically involves leaving the boat at the beginning of the portage and carrying gear for the first leg of the hike. Then returning to the starting point to shuttle the boat — in other words, each portage frequently requires three trips. That’s usually a thing of the past with the Impulse 13 at barely 20 pounds.
You’ll find the Impulse 13 comfortably stable and fun to paddle.
The stability and roominess allow the boat to be paddled kayak style, or from a traditional bench style canoe seat or from a kneeling position -- even rowed or sailed.
The Impulse 13 is popular for paddling with pups and with paddlers who require added stability for using a long lens for photography or binoculars for bird watching.
An afternoon jaunt, a weekend camping trip or a ten day expedition. The generous capacity for paddler, gear, dogs and more make the Impulse 13 a canoe you’ll value year after year.
at home on tiny
streams, open water
and everything in-between
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.
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.
vacuum infusion process (vip) vs
hand laminated
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.
Vacuum Infusion Process
Vacuum Infusion Process hulls are significantly different than hand laminated hulls. The resin to fabric ratio is better with VIP so the hull is noticeably stronger than hand laminated boats.
Cost for a VIP hull is higher than for hand laminated because of the requirement for extra materials in order to achieve the same degree of stiffness. The vacuum compresses the laminate more so than hand laminating. As a result, the laminate is thinner and not stiff enough to paddle properly. In order to achieve appropriate stiffness, extra layers of Kevlar, Innegra, etc. must be added to the laminate schedule. Each extra layer increases the strength of the hull yet the weight (due to the VIP Process) is the same or slightly less than hand laminated hulls. More layers equals more strength.
There are also increased supplies (costs) used (vacuum film, sealing tapes, flow media, peel ply, resin tubing, etc.) which are consumed in making VIP hulls.
Essentially, both methods of laminating are excellent when properly executed. Hand laminates will be less expensive and not quite as strong as VIP. VIP hulls cost more but offer a more hi-tech composite that is noticeably tougher.
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 selectively reinforcing the hull to deal with unusual stress loads & snags
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Extra layers can be added to common wear points. 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 areas of the hull
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.
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A traditional bench style canoe seat (cane or webbing) is most popular with paddlers who use a canoe paddle.
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!
KIS OPTION (Keep It Simple) -- IMPULSE 13
$2,024.00 Impulse 13 Hand Laminated in Kevlar & Carbon
Includes:
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Your choice of color — that’s the only choice you still have to make
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Cherry outer gunnels / Ash inner gunnels
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Stronghold Gunnels for extra support
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Touring Tall Seat
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Bulkhead Style Flotation
The Impulse 13 is a boat that you’ll want to paddle for the shear pleasure of skimming across the water on impulse . . . or in an Impulse . . . or whatever . . .
