Mike, yes I noticed some Monarchs have "skinny" kevlar seat hangars, mine are a much thicker honeycomb covered in Kevlar. They are certainly very stiff. But Kruger and Superior also have thin kevlar seat hangars and they are very stiff. Of course, they are laid up by hand by the masters, who certainly know what they are doing. To further my questioning of issues related to the bottom of the boats flexing, especially pulling the gunnels in and improving the shape of the boat...well that just isn't going to happen with my Monarch, Loon, or Sea Wind. Those boats are very stout and stiff in the hull. Of course, the decks are more flexible, especially on the Loon. But you aren't going to "pull in" the gunnels on any of those boats and change hull shape. I know that is a common practice on open canoes....but not these ones.
My Sea1 is the common natural kevlar color on the hull and red on top...a very very common color scheme. It was actually built less than a year ago and delivered to Minnesota.
I spoke extensively with Scott Smith of Superior recently. He is at a crossroads in his business. He has several boats to complete, orders to fill, and "factory seconds" to refinish. But he needs to get a new shop and take it to the next level. I hope he succeeds. Despite lots of negative talk about the Expedition being a copy of the Sea Wind, the fact is, his canoe is similar to the Sea Wind but it is a completely different boat. It is as different from a Sea Wind as a Bell Magic is from a Wenonah Advantage. Every canoe is similar to every other canoe. Sorry, I have to get off my high horse and stop lecturing!
You can see I'm into decked expedition canoes. I want them all. I wish I had kept a deep hulled Sea Wind I bought from Mick, just so I had it. I wish I had an Expedition, even though I certainly don't need an even larger canoe than a Sea Wind, but still. I want to see Scott and Mark P at Kruger succeed and keep building their boats!!
By the way, to other like minded folks, I do know of a 90's model Kevlar Loon for sale for $3000, and a late model (#260-something) great condition Sea Wind for $5100 or so. That latter is a STEAL when new ones are way over $7500 similarly equipped. The Loons are getting harder to find... Also, Scott has Mick's Expedition that needs a makeover and when finished, will be good as new and for sale for $3500. Interested parties may contact me at J o_ewildl_ife at yahoo dot com (remove underscores, just trying to prevent spam). I'd like to help my buddies sell these canoes and get them to appreciative owners!
Joe
