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I am reviewing the Focus 150 by Wilderness Systems. The manufacture description says, “a sleek, modern touring design for the mid-sized paddler. It caters to the assertive intermediate paddler looking to take their skills–and their adventures–to the next level.”

I bought my boat new late winter 2014 from a local vendor. I did a test paddle on site on a flowing river with snow on the shore and ice chunks in the river. I learned how do paddle in the 1970’s in a Kevlar Savage by Phoenix. What I like about this boat was that it reminded me of a throwback to those early “long” white water boats. The model I tested did not have a rudder. Even with the keel, the secondary stability was good enough that I could cut into and out of eddies. These were not micro eddies, just medium to large with good clean eddy lines. Unlike many flat water boats of the time that I experienced as sluggish, this one for the price point was agile and crisp.

Over the years, I use it to cruise lakes and rivers. I like leaving the rudder up and turning the boat by lifting the knees. On large open water with wind, I use the rudder. At 62, I can still roll it with ease. My only aggravation with the boat is its dry weight of 55 pounds.

My two other main boats are a Jackson 4Fun and a 15’ Mad River w Royalex haul.

Focus 150 in SAFFRON. Specifications:

LENGTH: 15' / 457 CM WIDTH: 23" / 58 CM BOAT WEIGHT: 55 LBS. / 25 KG DECK HEIGHT: 13.75" / 35 CM COCKPIT LENGTH: 35" / 89 CM COCKPIT WIDTH: 19" / 48 CM MAX CAPACITY: 325 LBS. / 175 KG