Canoe Makeover UPDATE: Northstar Canoes l Northwind Solo l Solo Canoe

Back in 2021 I called an outfitter in the Adirondacks of New York wondering if they had any used Northstar "Northwind Solos". They said no but they had one brand new one in starlite layup with aluminum trim on order if I was interested. So I put a deposit on it.
Two years later I still cannot get use to the aluminum trim, I hate it. So yesterday I took my boat to Dave Curtis at Hemlock Canoe Works in the western Finger Lakes of New York for a makeover, stay tuned.
Here she is my 2021 Northstar Northwind Solo complete makeover. I had slotted gunnels installed along with wood thwarts and carry handles and walnut decks. And lastly a brand new seat as I've mentioned in the video I did not find the Northstar seat all that comfortable.
I'm extremely happy with how this turned out. Originally the boat as delivered with aluminum trim weighed in at 27#, in its current form it weighs in at 29#. Again I could not be happier!

[@mmmbass6068]

That’s a beautiful looking boat

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you very much.

[@TRSwanVideos]

That's beautiful.

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you very much.

[@jccapwell]

Very nice

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you!

[@NikonF5user]

I think I saw your boat when I was there this past August, quite beautiful! Even better on the water!

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you, Dave did a wonderful job.

[@kevinthewild]

Beautiful!

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you! I have since parted ways with this boat.

[@nunyabidness3075]

Wood is worth the maintenance to me for the looks, but the composite and foam gunnels are so care free when getting in or out. Tough decisions.

[@mrgjoe]

Totally agree with you comment. My Swift and Placid both have the composite rails and they are really nice. For me wood is just beautiful!

[@michaellocke6140]

It turned out absolutely beautiful. I’m like you. The wood definitely makes it. Have you used it on rivers yet?

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you! I have used it on a river prior to this transformation.

[@Fehrman21114]

Did they have to custom make the wood pieces that replaced the aluminum along with the seat or were they after market? Looks like they did a great job!

[@mrgjoe]

The wood trim used for this is custom to Hemlock Canoe. They have someone who makes all there gunnels, decks and seats locally.

[@Fehrman21114]

Awesome! @@mrgjoe

[@johnniecanoe1]

Beautifully done. I too find the seat to be a bit uncomfortable and have issues with getting my size 12 1/2 - 13 shoes under the seat when kneeling. Would you happen to have more info on the seat and closeup pictures of the seat and hanger? Thanks.

[@mrgjoe]

Hi John! I will get you better pics either later today or tomorrow. With the new sitting drops I find it easier to slide my feet under.

[@mrgjoe]

I sent you some pics via your FB Messenger.

[@bigfoot9421]

I think I saw that boat in his shop a couple months ago and said “i didn’t know this trim was available with North Star” Dave told me it was a special situation. I’m thinking hard on the perigrine. Can you talk me out of it?

[@mrgjoe]

Haha I would never do that. The Peregrine is an awesome boat.

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

Very nice looking boat. I think the wood really works great with the color. My Phoenix has aluminum trim and I love the look along with the Blacklite layup. It just works. Wood tends to feel nicer though and is warmer, so I get the desire for it. Not all my videos show the full canoe, but this one does. LOL You will notice I also added the Sitbacker on the seat as well as the foam on the gunwales where my knees tend to rest. Hey, it's the little things. ;) Can't wait to get back on the water come spring. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIK7lnh_ZbWep80

[@mrgjoe]

Love that blacklite and the sit backer, sharp boat!

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

@@mrgjoe Thanks, she gets me where I want to go. ;)