Newman Pro
Newman Pro
Manufactured By:
Grasse River Boatworks
Designed By:
Gene & John Newman
Hull Also Commonly Referred to As:
Year Introduced: Approx. 1998
Ideal Team Weight Range: About 330 lbs.
Weight Distribution:
Hull Weight: 28-30 lbs.
Dimensions
Overall Length: 18'-6"
Maximum Hull Width at Waterline:
Maximum Gunwale Width:
Bow Height:
Stern Height:
Seat Height (From Floor):
Rocker:
John Newman via USCA Canoe News (March 2004, Volume 37, Issue 1), "Which Pro Boat?" article by Gareth Stevens
"John has been in the canoe-building business since 1971, and the current carbon composite pro boat is the development of a successful design introduced in 1975."
"The model with its 'proprietary core' — the Newman Pro (and the Newman Mixed Pro) has been available for about six years [circa 2004]. It weighs in the 28-30 lb. range.
The hull is stiffer than most carbon boats. It is wider for a longer way in the stern, allowing an easier conversion to mixed weight paddlers — the lighter partner being able to go much further back in the stern. Boats built as mixers (i.e. for the bigger weight differences) have the same hull, just different rib and seat placement.
The 3x27 wide point is as far back as specs allow, giving a sharper entry into the waves and water — full and round by the middle of the boat giving stability. The ideal team weight would be about 330 lbs.
[The] boat is very stable, very 'seaworthy,' [and built] with big wind and waves on open lakes in mind, as well as tight, twisty rivers."
Jan Perrin via USCA Canoe News (March 2004, Volume 37, Issue 1), "Which Pro Boat?" article by Gareth Stevens
She is "very, very pleased with [her] Newman Pro boat,' which, when she paddles with someone no more than 50 lb heavier, handles every bit as well and is just as fast as the V-1, if not faster." "It’s very good in rough water, ideal for the Adirondack 90, for example. The boat likes to be run bow down, and that can be a problem with a very heavy bow paddler. It can handle a 50-lb weight difference, just, but not much more. The V-1 can maybe handle up to 70-lbs difference. It has a great terminal stability, leans very well, and has good control with gunnels in the water. It’s also very sensitive to trim. It does shallows really well. Climbing wash? It’s OK, comparable with the V-1."
Carl Normandin via USCA Canoe News (March 2004, Volume 37, Issue 1), "Which Pro Boat?" article by Gareth Stevens
He places the Newman Pro boat with the Hassel as "good all-round entry-level boats, very comfortable, and maneuverable. They are both easier to turn than the V boats."