J-180 (Classic)

• Year Introduced: Sometime in the 1980's. This model was redesigned approx. 1990 (see J-180 Modern)

• Ideal Paddler Weight Range: Most paddlers of small to medium physical size

• Hull Weight: 25 lbs.

• Material: Kevlar with PVC-core stiffening. Aluminum thwarts. Sitka spruce inwhales

• Dimensions

  • Overall Length: 17'-4"

  • Maximum Hull Width at Waterline: 29.875" at 4" Waterline

  • Maximum Hull Width: 30.75"

  • Maximum Gunwale Width: 20.625"

  • Width at Front Thwart: 15.25"

  • Width at Rear Thwart: 20"

  • Bow Height: 15.5"

  • Stern Height: 12"

  • Distance, Front Thwart to Bow: 68"

  • Distance, Rear Thwart to Stern: 85"

  • Distance, Front Thwart to Rear Thwart: 53.5"

From 1988 Wenonah Canoe Dealer Fact Sheet:

"Consistent winners in the USCA Flatwater Nationals and increasing numbers of canoe triathlons. Gene Jensen is set on sweeping every race category his canoes enter. USCA Flatwater marathons and triathlons are already his turf. He continually refines his racing canoes to keep the winning edge. When a canoe is threatened, he changes, tests, and changed it until he finds a faster boat. Then we build the new hull to Gene's exact specifications.

The keys to a winning canoe are design, stiffness, and lightness, in that order. Jensen designs are simply the best, and that's that. Our construction methods add stiffness and light weight to total an unbeatable combination.

The J-Series canoes are athletes' canoes, very fast and very tippy. But to racers honed to top condition, these canoes are extensions of their bodies. An athlete quickly learns to balance his or her hull and then can concentrate on making each stroke as efficient as possible.

The J-180, J-190, and J-200 all meet the USCA formula for marathon racers: at the 4" waterline, at least 14.375% of total length at the widest point of the hull, no longer than 18'-6". By using a V-bottom design, Jensen hulls are narrower at the actual waterline.

The J-Series canoes are designed for racers of varying body sizes. The J-180 is for small paddlers, the J-190 for average size athletes, and the J-200 for bigger folks.

We dominate the C-1 racing market with our J-Series canoes. Because of the three sizes and our unique construction methods, virtually the whole solo racing contingent has joined our forces.

It's easy to sell to dedicated canoe racers, because they know what they want. A triathlete shopping for a first racing canoe, on the other hand, is not as familiar with racing hulls as the canoe racer is. Have the triathlete talk with a canoe racer, or go to a canoe race and see the predominance of our canoes there. Our J-Series solo canoes are the fastest available for any racer. Get your triathlete customer into one, and you'll both be happy with the results."

"We offer the J-Series in only one lay-up, Kevlar with PVC-core stiffening. While we have offered this canoes in clear fiberglass in the past, the sales were few compared to Kevlar models. We feel that the racer wants the lightest and stiffest boat possible, which is Kevlar foam core."

Hull Features:

1) Extremely sharp bow to cut through the water.

2) Handles, short thwarts, standard for carrying and tie-down in bow and stern.

3) Sliding Kevlar seat trims the canoe for paddler's style and for conditions.

4) PVC foam core and ribs to lock in shape and provide an ultralight hull that has no twist or flex.

5) Maximum width "wings" fulfill the design formula and provide final stability.

6) A high quality, low maintenance racing canoe with stainless steel bolts, highest grade anodized aircraft aluminum seat mounts, thwarts, handles, and foot brace. Optional self-bailer.

7) Asymmetrical hull, wider behind center, for efficiency and speed.

8) Upswept bow sheds weeds, rides over floating objects

9) V-bottom hull for narrow working waterline, draws less than 4".