The nitty gritty - otherwise known as the technical geek speak
laminate choices
one size does not fit all
If you’re looking for a 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 seldom strike a rock or submerged stump. Others will frequently scrape along on shallow streams and grind over beaver dams or oyster beds.
Still others may be the paddler's 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. 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.
Laminate Options
Weight & Cost
KCH - 39 lbs - $2,895
IBKCH - 39 lbs -$3,045
Carbon - 35 lbs - $3,195
Please add 3% for Credit Cards
Hand Laminated
Weight & Cost
KCH - 39 lbs - $3,699
IBKCH - 39 lbs - $3,899
Carbon - 35 lbs - $4,118
Please add 3% for Credit Cardsa
Vacuum Infusion
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 skilled 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
-
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
-
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
-
A good idea for most paddlers, worth the slight extra cost and weight
stronghold GUNNELS
The Spree is a legitimate go anywhere design even when heavily loaded. She performs well and builds your confidence every time you find yourself in a hair-raising situation. Everything about the Spree say "tripping". A thirty mile day -- no problem. Toss in a crossing -- bring it on. Add some whitewater -- all you need are the skills. Portages won't shut you down as the Spree weighs in at 39 pounds. Pack smart, light and efficient and you'll make the carry in one trip.
Generous volume and smart hull design means no bogging down when loaded. Tracking is superb. Tight maneuvering in close quarters requires some effort but that's true of all tripping boats. The shallow V hull quickly transitions to a shallow arch which means great stability. She's a hull that's designed for distance paddling with a bit of adventure added just for excitement. In many cases, you won't have to wait it out when the wind and waves mock your schedule.
Tranquility Base -- serious attention is given to minimizing hardships. Slipstream specializes in custom canoes and kayaks but effort goes to the next level when dealing with the Spree. Standard and optional components are aimed at paddler comfort and high performance: contoured seats, padded yoke, specialized thwart and seat placement, safety gear, fishing options and more may all be part of the package.
Scupper spacers are standard (aesthetically pleasing, drain water easily and strengthens gunnels). Stong grab loops at bow & stern. Several seat options. Two flotation choices. Ultralight rot resistant Cedar decks and thwarts. Shallow arch hull for stability. Wide seats to easily reach the water. Deep and wide yet fast and efficiently paddled.
INSTANT INFO
-
Headed to some tougher paddling - ask about reinforcing the hull
-
Extra layers are 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 high stress areas of the hull
internal hull reinforcement
seating
-
Along with color, seating 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 via an interview with a Slipstream Team member.
-
The standard Touring Tall seat pleases most paddlers. For those who prefer a bit more luxury, the Comfort High Back seat with a butt gel pack and an adjustable lumbar support is very popular.
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.
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 & airbags
-
The Bungee Bridle and Air Bag flotation 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 and accessories are available
upon request
-
Special Boat Wax
-
Drink Holders
-
Walnut Decks
-
Carry Handles
-
Rowing Rigs
-
Sail Rigs
-
Fishing Accessories
And so much more - just give a shout and our team will assist you in setting up your boat to exactly match your requirements
KIS OPTION (Keep It Simple) -- WEE LASSIE VERSION -- Here's what you'll get:
$1,724.00 Wee Lassie 10'6" canoe Hand Laminated in Kevlar & Carbon
Includes:
-
Your choice of color — that’s the only choice you have to make
-
Attractive wood gunnels with scuppers
-
Stronghold Gunnels for extra support
-
Touring Tall Seat
-
Bulkhead Style Flotation
Wee Lassie 10'6"
Solo
Length: 10'6"
Width: 27"
Depth: 9" - 13" - 10" is standard
Carry Capacity: 200 - 325 pounds
ORDER The KIS (Keep It Simple) Version (all you choose is color) - details at page bottom
OR
Scroll through this page and select every component of your new boat
oh happy day
KIS Option (Keep It Simple)
Spree 17'9"
Here's what you get
$2,944.00 Spree 17'9" Hand Laminated in Kevlar & Carbon
$3,748.00 Spree 17'9" Vacuum Infusion in Kevlar & Carbon
-
Your choice of color — that’s the only choice you still have to make
-
Ash gunnels
-
Stronghold Gunnels for extra support
-
Traditional webbing bench style seats
-
Bulkhead Style Flotation
Tried and true big canoe capability, performance, dependability and capacity.
The Spree 17’9” is deep in the bow, stern and mid-ship. An outstanding tandem canoe that can take you anywhere . . . quickly and safely.
The shallow V hull becomes a slightly rounded arch amidship.
Fast and stable she can handle big water even when well loaded with gear!
he Spree 17'9" is being used in Alaska for access to off-the-grid lodging. On the Pacific Northwest there's a crab fisherman hauling traps with the Spree. Families, Forest Rangers, everyone loves the speed, capacity and stability.
Buying Guide
High Capacity Yet Still Responsive
Experience the versatility of the Spree
She responds even to a feather light touch or a fine blade canoe paddle.
The more you challenge the Spree 17’9”, the more your confidence will increase.
A while ago, two guys came into the shop looking for a canoe to join their friends on a week long adventure.
They described their needs as follows:
“We need a canoe that can carry the two of us — a week's worth of camping gear, ice, food AND a half keg of beer”. They wern't kidding!
The Spree 17’9” handled it all in good style. And there’s even room to bring your dog.
-
Inconsequential loading and unloading
-
No need to limit paddling to a put-in only a few feet from where you park
-
Paddle with less "getting the gear together" effort
-
A canoe for all reasons (except in big whitewater)... and only 11 lbs to 14 lbs
-
Carrying it over longer distances isn't an issue... loading or off-loading from your vehicle requires minimal effort!
Standard outfitting includes a deep carry yoke, two traditional hung style canoe seats (cane or webbing), choice of species on wood gunnels, choice of color or in the natural “fish catcher” hybrid and a foam cored hull.
Instant info regarding the Wee Lassie 10'6"
Application
-
At 10’6” long, the Wee Lassie is a short solo canoe typically paddled kayak style. She’s at home on twisting streams and large lakes (assuming the weather is reasonable). An exceptional choice for portaging or trips to backwater ponds. The Lassie is also popular due to its extremely light weight which facilitates easy loading on any vehicle. No easier way to get to a back water fishing hole.
Ease of Paddling
-
The Wee Lassie tracks (goes straight) quite well for a short boat. The shallow V hull instantly responds to steering strokes. Stability is comfortable with most paddlers instantly falling in love with the Lassie. The low profile of the Wee Lassie enables it to maintain its course in the wind. Most paddlers are comfortable with waves in the 12” - 18” size. You’ll love the Lassie on and off the water. The ultralight weight increases mobility and minimizes loading effort.
Comfort
-
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. Chose your preference of propulsion: kayak paddle, canoe paddle or oars for rowing. Adjustable footrests increase comfort, boat control and drive. The Lassie is available in low, medium and high profile — this option fine tunes the depth of the Wee Lassie to your personal requirements for capacity and seaworthiness -- and at no extra charge.
Features
-
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. V shaped hull for speed, stability and stiffness. Many customizing features including 25 color choices available.
Hand Laminated
weight and cost
KCH - 14 lbs - $1,645
IBKCH - 14 lbs - $1,745
Carbon - 11 lbs - $1,795
Please add 3% for Credit Cards
Vacuum Infusion
weight and cost
KCH - 14 lbs - $2,124
IBKCH - 14 lbs - $2,289
Carbon - 11 lbs - $2,468
Please add 3% for Credit Cards
Wee Lassie — Possibly the most copied and imitated boat in all of canoeing history. Nearly every company that builds canoes produces a model that they call a Wee Lassie. And there are many great “Wee Lassies” out there. Most builders modify the design for a variety of reasons: trying to improve it, making it easier to fabricate, etc. None are as pretty as the original.
Slipstream produces the authentic design in terms of shape. Rushton’s original plans were purchased from the Adirondack Museum. The mold for your Wee Lassie was built to the untouched Rushton specifications. The result is a superb paddling experience that will make you smile with every stroke.
'The Wee Lassie is one of the most popular backwater fishing boats
A faithful shape replica of the John Henry Rushton original, yet taking advantage of modern materials and state-of-the-art technology.
Several boats produced by Slipstream, including the Wee Lassie, were the Feature Exhibit for two years at the prestigious Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY. The Slipstream Wee Lassie remains part of the Museum’s permanent collection. You will also find the Slipstream Wee Lassie at the Adirondack Experience (Museum) in Blue Mountain Lake, NY. A pair of them are available at the Experience for guests to enjoy the unique pleasure of paddling a Rushton Wee Lassie.
John Henry Rushton designed and fabricated the Wee Lassie in the late 1800s. He did so in Canton, NY just a couple of hours north of Broadalbin, NY where Slipstream is producing a faithful shape replica of precisely the same Rushton design. The difference is, rather than a Lassie manufactured from wood, hi-tech materials and state-of-the-art technology are employed. The result is a strong and serviceable canoe that is extremely light in weight — lift it with two fingers!
SLIPSTREAM WEE LASSIE — THE SAME BUT NOT
-
Inconsequential loading and unloading
-
No need to limit paddling to a put-in only a few feet from where you park
-
Paddle with less "getting the gear together" effort
One hand is nice but
most Slipstream models can be lifted with two fingers
-
A canoe for all reasons (except in big whitewater)... and only 11 lbs to 14 lbs
-
Carrying it over longer distances isn't an issue... loading or off-loading from your vehicle requires minimal effort!
"How can I get back on the water?
My old canoe is just to heavy for me, and I can't load it by myself!"
from "wishful thinking" to reality
A junket to backwater ponds and streams changes from "wishful thinking" to a legitimate option.
Ask about our hands-free portage system. Walk with your hands in your pockets as you carry your boat.
Ask about
"Hands Free" Portaging
With depth options between 9" and 13", the Wee Lassie has generous capacity for paddler, gear, dogs and more. Offering different depths is worth the extra effort in the shop. It precisely matches the canoe to your personal load requirements (there's no charge for this customization process). The Slipstream Team enjoys tweaking boats to make them ideal for each paddler.
at home on tiny
streams and open water
Kayak paddle, Canoe paddle or Oars
The Lassie is always at home
The hull is pleasantly maneuverable on the tiniest of streams yet it tracks well on open water -- the glide will amaze you! John Henry Rushton designed the canoe to be paddled with a double blade (kayak style) which offers many advantages: easier control, greater speed, less fatigue . . . but some prefer a traditional canoe blade or rowing.
The shallow V hull has good initial and final stability for a canoe with a 27” beam. The stems are keen and exhibit pretty curves that transition into the waterline.
The Wee Lassie combines the advantages of a kayak with the strong points of a canoe. A blend of comfort, form and function designed to provide the ultimate paddling experience.
two things that should never be reinvented
the wheel and The rushton wee lassie
"If we knew grandkids were going to be so much fun, we'd have had them first"