Bell Northstar

[Canoe Guru]

Maker's Spec

WEIGHTS BY LAYUP
KevLight - 39 lbs.
BlackGold - 44 lbs.

Length: 16'-6"
Length/width ratio: 6.4

Rocker:
Bow 2.5"
Stern 1.5"

Shear:
Bow: 20.5"
Mid: 13.5"
Stern: 17.5"

Width:
Gunwale width - 31"
Max width - 34.5"
4" WL width - 31"

Displacement:
2" WL - 160 lbs.
3" WL - 300 lbs.
4" WL - 410 lbs.
5" WL - 570 lbs.

Capacity:
6" Freeboard: 950 lbs.
Optimum Load: 250-550 lbs.

Maker's Write Up
Ever searched for the perfect tandem canoe? The NorthStar just might be it. We’ve trimmed the beam to provide the hull speed of boats a foot longer. It easily fits full-size packs and gear for multi-day trips. It tracks, it glides, it turns on a dime.
*Shown with optional kneeling thwart.

[Sue's Husband]

Failed Photo Link

[GregandGinaS]

Did you mean to post this?

[Sue's Husband]

Yes Thanks .Not been on Picasa for ages.
Tony

[GregandGinaS]

Let's address that you and wife are at least "active". You'll likely want a performance boat that rewards strength and skill. The best three short class tandems of all time are the Bell NorthStar, Swift Kippiwa and Mad River Malecite.

The only Bell lamination to consider is Black/Gold. Swift Infuses; they have a 32 lb CobraSox railed Carbon/ Kev version. Mad River? Don't really keep up, but get the most expensive lamination. They made great canoes in Vermont.

There is lots of grass between those three and the rest of the 16-16.5 ft canoes offered.

Quote is here. I'm assuming the author commissioned it and worked on the specs for it... but that's still quite a recommendation

[Davy Crockett]

I was extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to test paddle a Bell Northstar last year (2009). I believe that at the time it could well have been the only one in the country. The UK's loss I feel.

The owner, who is a very experienced, and I will not name him, but quietly out of earshot some refer to him as 'God', was very generous and allowed me to paddle her twice.
He speaks very highly of her capabillities, and although I only paddled her solo I must confess that I was rather smitten with her.
This link will allow you to read what some others feel about the Bell Northstar.

Davy