Phoenix Sport Utility Solo

Phoenix Sport Utility Solo

Model + Weight

Ted Bell's sport utility solo canoe. It as designed with rivers in mind, yet handles lakes comfortably.  It excels at everyting from backwater bays to gentle whitewater streams. Carries a load and maneuvers easily.

From Cliff Jacobson:

NORTHSTAR PHOENIX REVIEW
The Phoenix is a larger version of the no longer manufactured Bell Wildfire/Yellowstone solo canoes.  Its extra volume is carried more forward and aft than in the aformentioned smaller boats which seriously ups capacity and whitewater performance.   Unlike the smaller Wildfire/YS which tend to knife through big waves, the Phoenix confidently bucks over over them.  I weigh 132 pounds and at first thought the Phoenix was too large for me, but with a good load it's just right.  I recently paddled the Phoenix 150 miles on the upper MIssouri River; my total load was about 265 pounds (no portages; we carried ice and went heavy) and the boat barely drew three inches of water and it never lost its lively feel.  LIke the Wildfire/YS, the Phoenix pivots on a penny without the need for extensive leans.  I rate the boat competent in high Class II where big waves and quick turns are the rule.  Add a spray cover and I'd trust her in low Class III.

Wind: One look at the comparably high-sided Phoenix and you may think it will be a handful in wind.  I found it wasn't.  Paddled empty (but well), there is minimal concern.  Add a light camping outfit and the boat cruises easily. There is no serious tendency to spin into the wind.     

If you want a do-it-all solo cruiser that's at home in the BWCA and well beyond, the Phoenix is a great choice.  Oh, did I mention that this canoe is gorgeous?  Important: Order the Phoenix with the HIGH seat drops.  Sitting low, with your armpits in the gunnels--or kneeling beneath a dangerously low seat (foot entrapment!) discourages control and defies smiles.