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Shadow

16'
Length
25"
Width (in)
23–31
Weight (lb)
$2,550
Base MSRP
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Shadow Options

  • Ultralight

    23 lb
    Carbon Composite
    MSRP $2,550

  • XLT-Xpedition Lite

    27 lb
    Carbon Composite
    MSRP $3,350

  • Max 5 Camo

    31 lb
    MSRP $3,550

    Shadow Description

    The Shadow began life as a sea kayak design and through it's development into an open boat, it has maintained a number of the better attributes of its lineage. Sleek, narrow, predictable in wind, waves and weather, the Shadow is not only an "exercise boat," it can also carry enough gear to head into the Boundary Waters for a week or two. Add spray decks and you have a convertible sea kayak.

    Shadow Specs and Features

    • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
    • Seating Configuration: Solo
    • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
    • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
    • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult, Larger Adult
    • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

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    Placid Boatworks
    Shadow Reviews

    Read reviews for the Shadow by Placid Boatworks as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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    5

    This is my second Pack Boat…

    Submitted by: hodad66 on 7/26/2022

    This is my second Pack Boat (canoe) and a departure from all of the kayaks / surf skis that I have paddled since the 70's. My first canoe was 12.8 feet and quite a bit shorter that my previous boat (18.5'). This Shadow is much closer to my old Surfski in that it glides effortlessly and is easy to transport at 23 pounds. I am 6' at 190 lbs and the Shadow trims perfectly at this weight. It is stable and the back band is perfect for giving my old back the support that I need.

    The fit and finish on this boat is extraordinary and it was well worth the (almost) year long wait for it to be produced. At 12.8 the old canoe would hobby horse in oncoming waves but this Shadow simply slices through. There are three seat height choices for this pack boat and you can also order it with a more typical canoe seat.

    All in all I am happy as a clam in this Placid Boatworks Shadow and plan on many years of paddling enjoyment with this great craft.

    5

    Recently received my Placid…

    Submitted by: leebee209 on 6/21/2021

    Recently received my Placid Shadow in the Ultra Lightweight construction. The hull finish inside and out is the best I've seen on a canoe. The boat is very fast with excellent glide, runs straight yet turns smoothly. Coming from a surf ski/OC-1 background I plan on replacing the foot pegs with a foot bar and foot board as I like paddling with my feet together, but this is personal taste. The above comments are based on using a 230 cm. kayak paddle. I run the "high" seat which is about 4" above the bottom of the hull, with no issues with stability. I am 6'2" and 190 lbs. I feel this is a great high-performance exercise boat.

    5

    At 67 yrs old I entered my…

    Submitted by: paddler236359 on 7/13/2015
    At 67 yrs old I entered my Shadow in the Rumble on the Cumberland, Clarksville, TN on 07-11-15. The Shadow is just fast fast fast. I won my division. The race was a 5 mile sprint, I was the first across the finish line at 47.5 Minutes = 6.3 mph. You want to win races, the shadow is your boat, carbon/kevlar 22/24 lbs, full 16 ft waterline.
    5

    The Shadow has spoiled me for…

    Submitted by: paddler235510 on 4/18/2014
    The Shadow has spoiled me for other watercraft. I still use my (quite nice) sea kayak for open water, but it feels heavy and clumsy after the Shadow. I am not a racer and 60+, but can cover 15-20 miles in a relaxing day. For me the Shadow is a passport to beautiful days on the river. Coming from a 21.5 inch wide sea kayak, the Shadow feels rock stable. This is not an inexpensive canoe, but it makes a fussy man break out into a smile.
    5

    I concur with riverdave. the…

    Submitted by: paddler234634 on 7/3/2012
    I concur with riverdave. the boat is very fast. I have been training for my first race in 7 years. I will be entering the over 60 solo canoe in this upcoming race. I have been averaging 4.88 mph per 12 miles with just a steady stroke. Haven't put myself in race pace yet. that will come. I am sure a young spring chicken could push this boat at a 6 to 7 mph rate. I experienced a little weather cocking with the wind off my stearn quarters but that was easily corrected. Love the boat, worth every dime I paid for it.
    5

    Last week I picked up my long…

    Submitted by: potterdave on 6/14/2011
    Last week I picked up my long awaited Shadow from Joe Moore at Placid Boatworks. I've been a lifetime paddler with experience in paddlecraft ranging from surf ski racing to freestyle canoeing and can confidently express that the Shadow (designed by the legendary David Yost) is the finest boat I've ever set my butt in.

    At 26 lbs. it is feather light. The construction is artistic and impeccable. It's first outing was a 3 day 45 mile paddle and portage trip through the Adirondack region. Facing strong winds and moderate waves the Shadow holds a course confidently in all directions with weathercocking close to non existent. The boat is ridiculously fast, has remarkable and predictable secondary stability, and when leaned over turns on a dime. While promoted as a pack canoe (intended for double paddle) the boat paddles effortlessly with a single stick.

    Dealing with Joe Moore is a joy and while the Shadow is rather pricey, it is unquestionably worth every penny!

    Shadow
    by Placid Boatworks
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