inspire 14.5
Solo & Tandem
Length: 14'6"
Width: 29.5"
Depth: 12.5"
Carry Capacity: 500 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
instant info about the inspire 14.5
Application
-
Marc's comments: "It's a beautiful boat and it paddles very nicely. It handles very well as a solo, tracking easily yet carving graceful turns when gently heeled. It also handles well as a tandem for two paddlers in the 150 pound range. Larger paddlers should opt for the Inspire 16". Your choice of solo or tandem outfitting or with all three seats as shown in photo above. She’s capable on twisting streams and large lakes even when the weather isn't cooperating. The Inspire competes with pack boats for portaging and trips to backwater ponds. Very popular due to its light weight which facilitates easy loading on any vehicle. A brief morning paddle or a week long escapade -- solo or tandem, either will sadden you when your adventure is over - but tomorrow is another day.
Ease of Paddling
-
The moderately rockered hull transitions to sharp and lean entry / exit lines resulting in a responsive canoe that does everything unusually well -- tracking, maneuvering, Freestyle paddling and more. Stability is comfortable at any height for solo paddlers. Tandem teams may want to take a day or two making friends with the Inspire and synchronizing their strokes. The classic recurved stems create a little windage but a competent stroke easily overcomes. Most paddlers feel fine with waves in the 12” - 24” size. The Inspire 14.5 is easy to deal with on and off the water. The ultralight weight increases paddling options and minimizes loading effort.
Comfort
-
Almost all paddlers sit high on traditional contoured cane or webbing seats. Several customers have opted for kayak style outfitting to sit lower and use a double blade. There's ample room for gear and a dog even if paddling tandem. Versatility holds true with your preference of propulsion: kayak paddle, canoe paddle or oars for rowing.
Features
-
Noticeable tumblehome from the waterline to the gunnels allows comfortable paddle handling. 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. Shallow arch hull for stability and response.
Hand Laminated
weight and cost
KCH - 24 lbs solo / 27 lbs tandem
$2,195 solo / $2,395 tandem
IBKCH - 24 lbs solo / 27 lbs tandem
$2,295 solo / $2,545 tandem
Carbon - 19 lbs solo / 22 lbs tandem
$2,445 solo / $2,745 tandem
vacuum infusion
weight and cost
KCH - 24 lbs solo / 27 lbs tandem
$2,880 solo / $3,155 tandem
IBKCH - 24 lbs solo / 27 lbs tandem
$3,086 solo / $3,361 tandem
Carbon - 19 lbs solo / 22 lbs tandem
$3,361 solo / $3,636 tandem
As the team at Slipstream searched for a design that would serve well as an outstanding solo canoe as well as a great small tandem, it became clear that the hunt would lead us to the traditional designs of Adirondack legend John Henry Rushton and the Indian Girl.
Many thanks go to Marc Ornstein - it’s Marc’s appreciation for classic designs coupled with an understanding of the capability of modern materials that makes the Inspire even more distinctive than the original Indian Girl produced by Rushton.
Ultimately, the Rushton Indian Girl was the inspiration for the Inspire 14.5. Extremely pretty lines with a beautiful shear, tumblehome for comfortable paddling and traditional recurve stems — just looking at it will make you grin.
During the hunt for just the right design, we talked with several paddlers who have extensive experience with both modern and classic designs. We asked their opinion on what we should build if we wanted a singularly pretty canoe that paddles even better than she looks. Without hesitation, the response was unanimous - the Rushton Indian Girl - and Marc delivered!
The experts said it. At Slipstream, we confirmed it. That settles it. The Inspire by Rushton / Ornstein.
inspire 14.5
multiple
outfitting options
-
Solo Canoe or Tandem Canoe
-
Traditional Contoured Cane or Webbing Seats
-
Some paddlers even prefer to sit low kayak style
Standard outfitting includes traditional hung style canoe seats (cane or webbing), choice of species on wood gunnels, gunnel scuppers, choice of color or in the natural “fish catcher” hybrid and a foam cored hull.
at home on tiny
streams and open 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.
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 to damage. 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.
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.
stronghold GUNNELS
-
Stronghold gunnels are a third section of gunnel added to further strengthen the inner and outer gunnel
-
Typically used for rowing configurations, or for paddlers that use gunnels to support their weight when entering and exiting the boat
-
They are a good idea for everyone, but do add a little over a pound to overall weight
GUNNELS
-
Gunnels are the wood strips along the top of the canoe
-
All gunnels have scupper spaces between the inner and outer gunnel
-
The scuppers are aesthetically pleasing and reminiscent of the way classic wood boats are made
-
Scuppers also make the gunnels a bit stronger and allows for much easier draining of water from the hull
-
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
-
Headed to some tougher paddling - ask about reinforcing the hull
-
Extra layers can be added to common wear points
-
Typically at each end, and under the seat area
-
Approximately 1 lb is added in weight, but you gain strength at the most vulnerable points
internal hull reinforcement
seating
-
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.
-
The majority of paddlers chose traditional canoe seats of cane or webbing.
-
Cane is prettier but less durable.
-
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.
special note about weight saving seat option
-
Kayak style seats as listed below save 5 pounds per seat when compared to traditional bench style canoe seats. They can include foam risers to any height you like.
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
-
Bulkhead style flotation provides an air chamber at each end of the canoe.
-
It provides added flotation should the canoe become completely filled with water.
-
The bulkhead flotation provides adequate support and remains a permanent part of the hull.
bungee bridle & airbag kit
-
The Bungee Bridle and Air Bag flotation kit provides a bit more flotation than the Bulkhead style.
-
The bags are quite durable and are installed for circumstances where a swamping or capsizing is possible.
-
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.
-
Custom Laser Engraved decks personalize your canoe like no other.
-
Amusing quotes such as the one from Thoreau are popular — “Everyone must believe in something, I believe I’ll go canoeing”.
-
Boat names are common.
-
Wedding initials and dates are romantic.
-
You name it - with Slipstream your vision can be brought to life.
unending options are available upon request
-
Special Boat Wax
-
Drink Holders
-
Walnut Decks
-
Removable Carry Handles
-
Rowing Rigs
-
Sail Rigs
-
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) -- INSPIRE 14.5 SOLO & TANDEM
$2,244.00 Solo Version OR $2,444.00 Tandem Version
Both models include:
-
Inspire 14.5 Hand Laminated in Kevlar & Carbon
-
Your choice of color — that’s the only choice you still have to make
-
Ash outer gunnels / Cherry inner gunnels
-
Stronghold Gunnels for extra support
-
Traditional cane or webbing bench style seats or kayak style seat at same cost
-
Bulkhead Style Flotation
keeping the spirit of the indian girl alive
glide into your own adventure with the inspire 14.5
She responds even to a feather light touch of a fine canoe paddle.
You’ll likely enjoy the responsiveness so much that you’ll regularly find yourself experimenting with unusual strokes just for the fun of being in concert with the boat.
Impressive performance makes the Inspire 14.5 a wise choice for a thirty minute morning ritual, a weekend gadabout and everything in between.
It’s plain and simple. Getting on the water is always uppermost. But the distinctive handling characteristics of the Inspire 14.5 will persuade you to expand your stroke inventory and paddle even longer. You'll want to paddle just for the sake of paddling.
And bring on your furry friend!