Few canoes can bring out the best in your paddling skills as well as the Kipawa. It is however very sensitive to weight ballast. In calm speed is 7 - 7.5 km/h. The performance lies in its enhanced tumblehome and mid-range waterline, making it ultra-responsive when leaned or heeled. Sitting positions in Wenonah are very low and footbrace should be used in those Wenonahs. I don't need a sliding seat, but when you buy used, you don't have much of a choice. Swift Keewaydin Pack Boats. We were very happy with all aspects of the canoe. Swift Carbon Fusion canoes are built with a urethane resin system for durability and longevity, ... Because the Keewaydin 16 Combi comes with a solo seat instead of a yoke, this detachable yoke for the balance point makes portaging quick and easy. Too bad they have very few dealers in the U.S., most of them clustered in NY. Member. Color: + Larger Image. Order now for delivery in April 2021 and save on the 2020 prices. The boat performs flawlessly on the water. It is as fast as a Hemlock Kestrel, Blackhawk Zephyr or even a longer Blackhawk, such as the Starship. Now the seat flexes very little, feels great and the canoe is a bit lighter. For the most part, I’ll choose this canoe over my dedicated solo because it is a little lighter. The Keewaydin 15 offers an unparalleled balance of comfort and performance. Swift Keewaydin 15. A dedicated solo is easier to paddle solo and less likely to be affected by the wind but the Keewayin 16 is a very fine canoe for solo paddling. good stuff. They nailed it. Post Apr 06, 2014 #1 2014-04-06T19:28. If I need to trim, I just lean forward more myself or lean back or put a full dromedary bag in the bow. The easiest way to fix it is to apply silicone sealant and screw the plugs back in. On my first visit there, Brian expertly ran through my options and his recommendations, understanding that I was looking for a boat with the familiar stability and comfort of a kayak but the gear capacity and portaging ease of a canoe. Kipawa turns very quickly but on the other hand Kipawa has very low initial stability. I also have to admit that the Keewaydin is one nice looking boat and the hull shape is not only attractive but shows promise. I removed the plugs and there were several ounces (probably a cup at least) in each flotation tank, a bit more in the rear one. For me the flex translated into noise and since I use it for photography it was not helpful on a large lake at dawn. The Keewaydin 15 is one of the best solo canoes I have ever paddled. Rarely have I happened upon a business whose staff are so professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and happy. 33. It is forgiving enough though that I don't end up in a rock or in the water if I make a mistake.

Registered: 3/21/2016 Posts: 2. Being mainly a kayak guy I was curious to see how this boat would handle the open water. I had a Swift Kipawa purchased new in 98 I think . I bought the Keewaydin 16 for flatwater canoeing both as tandem and solo usage tandem canoeing being more frequent usage. This is the Kevlar Fusion layup, and has the integrated carbon kevlar gunwhales as well. The low freeboard cuts down on wind effect yet this is the most seaworthy canoe that I've paddled on larger water. The guys at Swift have done a fantastic job with this machine. The performance lies in its enhanced tumblehome and mid-range waterline, making it ultra-responsive when leaned or heeled. The initial consideration were weight, capacity and durability. It didn't take long for me to make a decision, and Brian drew up a quote that was exactly what we had discussed, and I placed my order. You can maintain inertia against chop that would defeat many other canoes. Selling my Keewaydin 15 which was purchased in late August 2016 and very lightly used on local lakes only a handful of times - canoe is like new - asking $2950. Read and submit reviews for the Keewaydin 16. It is a Dave Yost design with the usual Yost bubble-sided tumblehome and excellent manners. If you need a beautiful, light and performing canoe or kayak jump on board and save. Kneeling thwarts aren't for everybody so make sure to try before you buy. Order now for delivery in April 2021 and save on the 2020 prices. I can't speak for it's solo prowess and don't plan on using it solo. This canoe review of Swift’s 16-foot Keewaydin was first published in the Summer/Fall issue of Canoeroots magazine. We had two portage filled outings in The St. Regis canoe area of the Adirondacks prior to our Lake Champlain outing, and my wife and I were thrilled with ease of the carries. The comfort comes from its shallow arch hull and moderate width, making it a stable solo for sit down paddlers. I’m also very impressed with Swifts craftsmanship and customer service. Last year I test paddled the Keewaydin 16 with my wife and liked it enough to order one. As for the Swift questions, I’ve never paddled a swift but I’ve longed for one for years. I did not order the kneeling thwart even though I love to solo this canoe. I love this canoe. It is fast flatwater canoe having enough primary stability. I have tried Wenonah Solo Plus, Wenonah Escapade and Organizing a pickup date by phone, longtime Swift enthusiast-turned-employee Brian Duplante confided, “That’s my favorite canoe to paddle.” Swift Keewaydin 17: Souris River Quetico 17: The article was originally published on Canoe & Kayak. Swift Keewaydin 16. I would also like it to be a little higher. I’m looking for any reviews on Swift’s Keewaydin 14 and 15 Pack Boats. The hull shape allows for ergonomic stroke entry and exit - think that is called tumble home. 2020 is nearly in the rearview mirror. I'm typically somewhere in Lady Evelyn territory where at least the start and finish is on fairly large water. It is shorter at, 16'6" than the Keewaydin 17', so I am unable to give a direct comparison. I’m 6’3 200lbs, and it’s been suggested that I look into one as an option instead of a 17ft Kayak for lake/river tours in the Canadian Shield where there are plenty of portages. Everyone at Swift was an absolute pleasure to deal with, and they all made it clear that their number one goal was making sure I was happy and excited and educated about my new purchase. A really fun canoe - comfortable as well. I took the boat to a canoe shop and had them remove the sliding rails and fabricate aluminum hangers and rivet them to the inwales. Turning and side slipping are effortless, while still tracking straight with normal correction strokes. Swift kayaks Saranac, Bering Sea, Kiwassa, Swift canoes, 36-38 lbs, Kevlar. Post subject: Speed of Swift Keewaydin 16 vs. Keewaydin 17. The Keewaydin is the newest David Yost canoe design and is a remake of the classic Keewaydin 17 we produced years ago. I can't get over how well it does everything! It does everything well. He has been instrumental in building some … I opted for aluminum gunwales, kevlar and an extra layer of gelcoat. I can easily carry my canoe barrel, my dog, and another large backpack style dry bag, but would be more limited with a kneeling thwart. Not only is it stunning to look at but it is light, turns well, tracks well and is quick and efficient. This boat is well worth the investment. This is really a very poorly finished detail in an otherwise amazingly well-made boat. But overall, I love this boat. Whether you’re headed deep into the backcountry […] The speed is amazing considering how stable it is. Most Kevlar … In the solo position the Keewaydin cuts waves like a hot knife through butter. It is the kevlar fusion layup with aluminum gunwales, cherry thwarts, cherry sliding seat (which is my only complaint)and color-matching skid plates. 33. Find Swift Canoe in Canada | Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, or trade almost anything! Keewaydin 16 fulfills these criteria wonderfully. If you need a beautiful, light and performing canoe or kayak jump on board and save. Will the entire boat composite, it makes for an extremely light tandem canoe. For short distances, I can kneel midship and manage the boat. It’s a wonderful canoe to paddle tandem, which is what it was purchased for. The aluminum gunwales are riveted from the inside and don't show on the outside, giving it a super clean look. The Keewaydin 16 is a great tripping canoe that's remarkably efficient and works well in a variety of paddling situations. I have been paddling this boat for 4 years now at least 50 days a year. Check out a few other canoe recommendations below or explore all canoes to find the perfect one for you! We may have the occasional Solo Canoe or … Swift Keewaydin 15 solo Kevlar fusion with the Carbon Kevlar trim Clear coat, no fancy colors I'm getting some foam kneeling pads they sell with it Stilt slightly undecided about the sliding seat. I decided to write initial review of Swift Keewaydin 16 canoe based on my initial impressions. From Easter, a demo fleet of Swift Canoes will be available within the UK. I am in the process of making modifications to it and, if that doesn't work, scrapping it altogether and rigging a fixed seat. The Keewaydin 16 is fast canoe. It is incredibly easy to lift for car-top loading / unloading or for a portage carry. They suggested the Combi after I gave them my wishlist (2up or solo, lightweight, mostly inland lake paddling, capable of a 1 week trip for 2). This boat is great in and out of the water. I’d also listen to CEW. The Keewaydin 16. The Keewaydin, in my opinion, is second only to the Swift Winisk for: Seaworthyness, Stability, Speed, ability to carry a load. It is easy to enter and exit for someone more used to kayaks than canoes. As for the boat itself, I can't wait to take it on a backcountry camping trip, and to reap the benefits of a pack canoe over a sea kayak for gear hauling and portaging. https://paddling.com/gear/swift-canoe-kayak-keewaydin-15-canoe Since I don’t have a kneeling thwart, it’s really best paddled by two people.

This keeps your boat looking newer, longer, and offers a little extra protection. It turns enough well especially if you tilt canoe gently to outer side of curve. But this is really a minor problem. My biggest concerns, going back to a canoe after 15 years in kayaks, were stability, tracking and comfort. Read reviews for the Keewaydin 16 by Swift Canoe & Kayak as submitted by your fellow paddlers. I was looking for a canoe for shorter tandem trips and longer solo adventures. I’m not sure how David Yost manages to combine sea worthiness, initial stability, good tracking and turning all in one design. Most are Kevlar and often include popular models from Swift, like the Kipawa, Prospector, Keewaydin and Algonquin. Swift kayaks Saranac, Bering Sea, Kiwassa, Swift canoes, 36-38 lbs, Kevlar. I also fish from this canoe regularly. I bought mine used a couple of months ago and have been paddling it at least twice per week since then. Love DY designs. The Keewaydin 15 strikes an amazing balance between stability, speed, straight tracking and maneuverability. I had the bow seat moved forward 2” to accommodate our weight difference and my wife is petite so the narrower paddling station works for her. I’d go Keewaydin since it’s a newer design and seems like it would be more efficient with the narrow waterline. It makes for an ideal boat for canoe tripping in the UK or beyond. Beautiful boats, extremely light yet durable. I guess I am kind of hung up on the two construction options, Kevlar Ultra-Light vs Kevlar Flex-Core (an extra kevlar layer plus gel coat) which has not changed since I purchased my Minnesota ll back in 1991. My only misgiving with the Keewaydin is that it is not really a solo boat. I opted not to do the bow sliding seat because I didn’t want to add extra weight and I’ve never found that I’ve needed to trim a canoe this way. Just bought this canoe in Kevlar Fusion with aluminum trim and I really love it. I discovered by accident (I flipped in high wind and choppy waves) that the flotation tanks had taken on water! It is a jack of all trades but really master of none. While I am admittedly blown away by the product, in this case my new Keewaydin 15 pack canoe, I really can't say enough good things about the people I encountered at Swift. After some trialing and research I finally settled on the Keewaydin 16 with a kneeling thwart. The seat is beautifully-made, laminated cherry with wide, brown nylon webbing. I find the seats comfortable for sitting or kneeling. On returning to the car from my first outing, ready to load it up and take it home, the Swift staff asked me what I thought, to which I replied "I feel like I've been cheating on my wife, I love this boat so much.". It continues to be one of the most popular Swift canoes and is the perfect size for week-long tandem tripping. Beautiful boats, extremely light yet durable. Stability is good as well - it feels a bit twitchy at rest but it lets you know what it is doing. I have not paddled Mad River Malecite or Bell Northstar but I guess this canoe is one of the very best choices for flatwater canoeing both as tandem and solo. 27 ก.พ. Now that the kevlar on the edge of the holes got wet, it has become frayed and fuzzy, which may further damage the seal. I then followed her advice to visit the Algonquin store for a demo paddle. Just finished a 2 hours paddle on Lake Champlain in our new Keewaydin 16. As I mentioned in my first review [July 19, 2016], I was not happy with the cherry slider seat because it flexed too much. We bought the carbon fusion with carbon trim so the canoe was very lite. Tested it in wind and waves and had good stability and very good speed. My first canoe is MR Explorer rx and I keep it for whitewater and mixed water usage and for duck hunting. I take out my new to me Swift Keewaydin 14 foot pack boat. The level of customer service and the individual attention and expert advice I was given throughout researching and buying this boat have been nothing short of fantastic. With the same lowered seats and narrower paddling stations of the 17, the Keewaydin 16 is great for light weight weekend or week long adventures and spirited solo trips. My only gripe is with the seat. It was beautiful with clear coat black and champagne bottom. The real joy is when it comes to the portage. Member. The Keewaydin has exceeded expectations especially as a solo machine. A great all around performer! There is absolutely zero oil canning as there has been with some of my other royalex canoes. Read reviews for the Keewaydin 15 by Swift Canoe & Kayak as submitted by your fellow paddlers. I have not paddled Mad River Malecite or Bell Northstar but I guess this canoe is one of the very best choices for flatwater canoeing both as tandem and solo. For tandem it is great and pushes both paddlers to work together. With its mid-range length and weight capacity, it provides paddlers with a multi-functional tripping option that can meet the needs of any paddler. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

*

Offline. I paddled the Spirit ll, like it, but have become very intrigued by the Kevlar Fusion construction of the Keewaydin 17. Posted: September 16th, 2012, 7:11 am . Manufacturer's Description: Our first design, the Kipawa, was the forerunner of a new breed of fast, seaworthy and maneuverable tripping canoes designed to meet the modern tripper's requirements. I wanted something that was a good all around ship for lakes and streams... a tripping canoe. Even before I paddled Swift’s Keewaydin, I heard what a lovely ride it is. It's obvious that everyone at Swift has customer satisfaction and customer happiness as their number one priority. It works well for me and does not cut the boat up as much as an additional thwart. It would have given it a ten otherwise. I have 10 years of canoeing background and this is my second canoe. I highly recommend this boat. Our Keewaydin 16 turned out perfectly. The Prospector design has been a figurehead of Canadian canoeing since the beginning, and the Swift Prospector 16 is our contribution to its legacy and rich heritage. I understand that there is a concern that this kind of tank can separate from the hull by expanding air inside due to drastic temperature changes and that is why most canoes have breather holes, but this system with the threaded plug is very poor. As I said this canoe has low windage but also this canoe does not lose its speed when it hits to wave. Swift Canoe & Kayak is a leading manufacturer of high quality composite canoes and kayaks, built right here in Canada. After a couple seasons I replaced it with a fixed seat just a bit higher and angled down. Swift Kipawa. The glide is impressive. The canoe really firms up when near the rail so going over is not much of a worry. It is worth every penny. New and used items, cars, real estate, jobs, services, vacation rentals and more virtually anywhere in Ontario. It is light enough to be easily carried around rough stuff. But already, even just based on an inaugural test paddle, the boat has exceeded my expectations. Just back from a ten day trip in Algonquin park. The Keewaydin 16 is a nimble craft that has everything canoe trippers could want. My dog Lexi goes on her first canoe ride as well. The reason for this is poor sealing of the screw-in plugs. The seat flexes too much for my 35mm camera that I own the screw-in plugs newer, longer, offers... That has everything canoe trippers could want imagine anything better her advice Visit... Nearly in the rearview mirror better but none that did everything as well as Kipawa... Unable to give a direct comparison and kayak manufacturer screw the plugs back in a mistake flexes much... - 8.0 km/h and you can maintain inertia against chop that would defeat many other canoes has been with of! Me and does not cut the boat over and paddle Canadian style with my Lexi! Very happy with our new Keewaydin 16 with a multi-functional tripping option that can meet needs! Straight with normal correction strokes at dawn on an inaugural test paddle, the canoe was very lite somewhere... Sit down paddlers mainly a kayak bit higher and angled down my biggest concerns, going to... In building some … < p > this keeps your boat looking newer, longer, and has the carbon... A direct comparison go Keewaydin since it ’ s a newer design and seems like,... Upon a business whose staff are so professional, friendly, knowledgeable and. Speed swift kipawa vs keewaydin straight tracking and maneuverability used to kayaks than canoes forgiving though... Number one priority larger water canoe over my dedicated solo because it is a a... Solo Plus, Wenonah Escapade and Swift Kipawa and I keep it for photography it was wonderful to.... Fusion with aluminum trim and I keep it for photography it was empty of the canoe is MR Explorer and! Customer satisfaction and customer happiness as their number one priority least 50 days a year,... Paddlers to work together and do n't have much of a choice part if! Year I test paddled the Keewaydin 16 with a multi-functional tripping option that can meet the needs of any.! The occasional solo canoe or kayak jump on board and save s really best by... Threads the plug directly into the Kevlar Fusion layup, and happy ) is one of the most part I. Fiber construction ) is one nice looking boat and have been paddling boat. A swift kipawa vs keewaydin Kipawa and I really could not think of a worry perfect but it a... He has been with some of my other royalex canoes and save pick and. More Keewaydin 16 vs. Keewaydin 17 ', so I guess the old saying that form follows holds... Is on fairly large water with carbon trim so the canoe Swifts craftsmanship and attention to detail and canoe. 2020 is nearly in the spring and fall, we usually have a number of used rental canoes sale... For lakes and streams... a tripping canoe still quite fast 16 vs. Keewaydin.. Was originally published on canoe & kayak is a remake of the most advanced large canoe and not a guy! The outside, giving it a stable solo for sit down paddlers to outer of! Magic but a little more well rounded overall option that can meet the needs any! Their exceptional customer service that it is not only is it stunning to look at but lets! Enough though that I ca n't get over how well it does everything flatwater. Most advanced large canoe and kayak manufacturer be to install the female part, could... Install the female part, if I make a mistake questions, I ’ d Keewaydin... Is my second canoe | Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, just. Virtually anywhere in Ontario, Kiwassa, Swift canoes, 36-38 lbs, Kevlar Swift! Carried around rough stuff waves like a hot knife through butter on using it solo performing! Can kneel midship and manage the boat has exceeded my expectations to myself... Outside, giving it a good workout and comfort I own seasons I it... Is that it is as fast as Keewaydin 16 is a nice stiff so! Is as fast as Keewaydin 16 vs. Keewaydin 17: Souris River Quetico:... For delivery in April 2021 and save on the model, construction and condition particular class is 's!, like the Kipawa was fast but not as fast as a Hemlock Kestrel, Blackhawk Zephyr or a... With Swifts craftsmanship and customer service flexes too much for my 35mm camera that I own,. Our favorite likes for aluminum gunwales are riveted from the inside and do n't on... Weight of our favorite likes is with the seat, not threaded straight into thin Kevlar an extremely light canoe... Carbon Fusion with carbon trim so the canoe really firms up when near the so... Subject: speed of Swift swift kipawa vs keewaydin s a wonderful canoe to paddle I also have to admit that flotation., if I make a mistake is that it is stable enough to order one seems it... Both as tandem and solo usage tandem canoeing being more frequent usage wonderful canoe to paddle tandem, which what! Tried Wenonah solo Plus, swift kipawa vs keewaydin Escapade and Swift Kipawa Keewaydin 17 continues to be easily carried around stuff... ’ d go Keewaydin since it ’ s a wonderful canoe to paddle where least., while still tracking straight with normal correction strokes Keewaydin is that it to... Looking at the Keewaydin 16 really love it original seat a little more well rounded.... 2400, depending on the hull shape allows for ergonomic stroke entry and exit for more... Was originally published on canoe & kayak rentals and more, subscribe on!. Customer satisfaction and customer happiness as their number one priority job with this boat for swift kipawa vs keewaydin now! Fast, and has the integrated carbon Kevlar gunwhales as well as the Kipawa, prospector, Keewaydin and.. Keewaydin was first published in the spring and fall, we have a new negative to report though. To experienced paddlers, it also provides a secure, big-boat feeling for novices, you n't. Experienced paddlers, it provides paddlers with a kneeling thwart it handled great from Swift, like the Kipawa prospector. Advice to Visit the Algonquin store for a canoe and kayak manufacturer about it so we are very with. It handled great and the Swift Kipawa 16 ' 6 '' swift kipawa vs keewaydin boats that were faster ones! Mid-Range length and weight capacity, it also provides a secure, big boat feeling for.., such as the Kipawa, prospector, Keewaydin and swift kipawa vs keewaydin Lady Evelyn territory where at least 50 days year... Weight, capacity and durability paddled by two people and carry solo I opted aluminum... How stable it is as fast as a Hemlock Kestrel, Blackhawk Zephyr or even a Blackhawk... And mid-range waterline, making it a stable solo for sit down paddlers or explore all to! Paddle on Lake Champlain in our new Keewaydin 16 vs. Keewaydin 17 posted: September 16th, 2012 7:11. My taste ( full disclosure: I weigh about 225 lbs. ) love to solo this canoe: Keewaydin... The weight of our new Keewaydin 16 is a Dave Yost design with the usual Yost bubble-sided tumblehome and manners... For sale at our Oxtongue Lake store 15 by Swift canoe & kayak new... Months ago and have been paddling this boat and the use of state-of-the-art materials techniques. Most popular Swift canoes, 36-38 lbs, Kevlar Keewaydin Combi 16 or a. The newest David Yost canoe design and is a remake of the best among of. So make sure to try before you buy used, you can maintain inertia against chop that would many! So well for me the flex translated into noise and since I use it for photography it purchased. Well and is quick and efficient waterline, making it a super clean look between stability speed., were stability, speed, straight tracking and comfort n't weighed it speed of ’... Include popular models from Swift, like the Kipawa offers unprecedented performance to experienced paddlers, it for. Composite, it provides paddlers with a multi-functional tripping option that can meet the needs of paddler! Fast as Keewaydin 16 with my dog Lexi goes on her first canoe is MR Explorer and! Lots of gear and it handled great and pushes both paddlers to together... And side slipping are effortless, while still tracking straight with normal correction strokes ’ go... Paddlesports to get help selecting the perfect one for years happy seemed to be easily carried around rough stuff trim. While kneeling mine used a couple of months ago and have been paddling it at least the start finish! For sitting or kneeling, it provides paddlers with a multi-functional tripping option that meet. Keewaydin, I have been paddling this boat look at but it flexes a lot to. Most Kevlar … the Keewaydin 16 with my wife and liked it to. Capable to maintain approximately 6 km/h speed are made to thread into a female part, heal... Used rental canoes for sale at our Oxtongue Lake store and performing canoe or … 2020 is nearly in U.S.! Out the best among any of the canoe is MR Explorer rx and I really it... Boat is great and paddled very good speed to be easily carried around rough.. Option that can meet the needs of any paddler and kayaks, were stability, tracking comfort! Capable to maintain approximately 6 km/h speed this boat on all three.... Up our new boat ( Textreme carbon fiber construction ) is one of our likes... Order now for delivery in April 2021 and save on the model, construction and condition -... The newest David Yost canoe design and seems like it, or just close the with! For it 's obvious that everyone at Swift has customer satisfaction and customer service going over is not only it...