J-203
J-203
Manufactured By:
Wenonah
Crozier
Boardman Boatworks - (Obtained the Crozier mold after Everett Crozier retired)
Designed By:
Eugene Jensen & Everett Crozier
Year Introduced: 2000
Ideal Paddler Weight Range: 155+ lbs.
Hull Weight: 26-29 lbs.
Dimensions
Overall Length: 18'-6"
Maximum Hull Width at Waterline: 31.875" at 4" Waterline
Maximum Gunwale Width: 17.75"
Bow Height: 15.75"
Stern Height: 11.75"
Seat Height (From Floor): 6.5"
Rocker: 0"
"The J-203 is a radical new departure in solo marathon canoes. The J-203 is a super fast performance C-1 with blazing straight ahead speed. Yet the 203 is also maneuverable and quick to accelerate off of the line. In the past larger paddlers had to make do with hulls that were fast, but often unresponsive. The J-203’s narrow profile increases the canoe’s speed while the radical “wing” gives paddlers an easy reach to the water for a full powerful stroke. The J-203 will be our best selling marathon C-1 for the year 2000 and will be used by the top North American's lead paddlers. For paddlers seeking the best combination of speed, performance, acceleration and stability, no marathon canoe matches the new Wenonah J-203."
"Since we introduced the J-203 it has dominated solo marathon racing throughout the United States and Canada. Everett Crozier's redesign of Gene Jensen's highly successful J-200 design, the J-203 features a redesigned, "tucked in" center section. Giving paddlers easier access to the water for a faster, more powerful stroke and more efficient paddling over the course of a long race. The J-203 is responsive and lively. The boat moves effortlessly through wakes and trash water, allowing paddlers to precisely position the canoe for optimum wake riding in packs or on tight courses. With the J-203's fast acceleration and effortless speed, and drafting ability, it is no wonder that this hull has dominated the men's category in canoe races since its introduction in 2000."
"The J-203 features fast acceleration, effortless speed and excellent drafting ability. Its "tucked in" center section gives easy access to the water for a fast, powerful, efficient stroke. It moves effortlessly through wakes and trash water for optimum wake riding on tight courses."
West Hansen via RiverMiles Forums
"The 203 was designed for full figured guys and for sharper turning. It doesn't track as well as other C-1's, therefore there is more hutting and less strokes per side. If you're in a race that requires sharp turns or if you really get into drafting, then the 203 is the boat to have. I really enjoy mine and have learned to compensate for the lack of tracking by the ability to lean turn/correct with subtle movements."
Jason Quagliata via New York Paddlesport Racing Association Newsletter
"I felt it had a solid platform for paddle stroke; its well balanced when seat is all the way back. It handles very well, carves well on turns, pops well in shallows and holds speed pretty easily."
Matt Rudnitsky via New York Paddlesport Racing Association Newsletter
"Easy to steer, a lot like J193 (obviously), easy to put it where you want it going upstream. Maintains a fairly straight line and good speed going downstream. Good overall boat without any big advantages or disadvantages."
Ben Schlimmer via New York Paddlesport Racing Association Newsletter
"A good all around boat, easy to handle, pops nicely. Probably best for people in the 175 pound range, but not limited to."
Michael Schlimmer via New York Paddlesport Racing Association Newsletter
"It maintained its speed well and tracked through eddies fairly decently, If leaned; it went where you wanted it to go. I seemed to have to mess around with trim a little to keep it moving at its best."
Kyle Kiser via New York Paddlesport Racing Association Newsletter
"Arguably the best all around boat for a larger paddler. Tracks very well, but can be turned with less strength and a little leaning. I would recommend a J203 to 90% of larger paddlers, only very strong paddlers would be able to makeup the difference from J203 to J200. An average strength large paddler would be faster overall in a J203 simply because it turns better. The top end and overall cruising speed of a J200 doesn’t help if you’re back paddling all the corners. Recommended for big paddlers who need some help turning."