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What a fun boat! We picked up a used XL15 (in Royalite, I believe) after growing tired of abusing our beloved Mohawk Blazer 16. We wanted a boat that would fair better on AL's many class 1-3, sharp shoal laden streams. Having never been in a "Whitewater" boat, we were blown away at just how maneuverable the XL15 is. Talk about fun! However, there isn't so much rocker that calm sections feel tedious, and that's important to us. It's incredibly dry and much lighter than our glass canoe. As for stability, it's lively on calm water, but a safety-net when you go over a drop looking sloppy! I soloed it once and it's a much different boat. SuperDuper responsive! Too much so for anything other than running rapids(my taste).- though I bet with some weight it would settle down nicely- looking forward to solo tripping it!

REALISTIC Load Capability of the Blazer 16 After reading the other reviews for the Blazer 16, I wanted to update my review (7/10/19) to add clarification on the boat’s load carrying/camping ability. I have to disagree with some of the other reviewers on this point. The Blazer appeals to many new paddlers. For this group, I feel it’s important to be realistic about the boat's capabilities. For many, camping in a 15-16', overloaded boat, that handles poorly, is their only experience canoeing. It's no wonder they get turned off to the sport. The truth is few 16' canoes are made to handle much more than a weekend’s worth of gear for 2 adults- while maintaining good performance. Too much weight turns even the most nimble, graceful or performance oriented canoe into a frustrating barge. The Blazer is no exception. The canoe’s decline in popularity (and the rec. kayak’s rise) is due in part to this misinformation.

The Blazer 16 handles two adults and a conservative amount of gear for a weekend well. However, it does not carry a “typical” 4-7 day load WELL.

Can you make the Blazer 16 work with a heavy load? Sure you can (I have too)! If you aren’t covering a lot of miles or are on a laid back float trip it’s not a big issue. But is it good at it? Heck no. If you exert enough energy you can get a 3 ton tree trunk moving quickly through the water, and its momentum will keep it moving for quite a while. But that’s not “glide”, and it sure ain’t efficient.

It’s all about personal enjoyment (and safety to some extent). If you are happy with your setup, keep doing what works! If you aren’t happy or plan to log a lot of miles, try a longer boat. You’ll feel the difference.

None of this is a knock on the Blazer 16. Other similarly priced, 16 footers may have the volume to carry weight marginally better. However, with a conservative load, on calm water, it’s hard to beat the Blazer.

My wife and I dove into paddling a few years ago and Mohawk's Blazer 16, in fiberglass, was what got us started. Since then we’ve put our Blazer, named "Mona", in a variety of environments. It has been a great boat for learning basic skills and has proven tough enough to survive our many mistakes. Though we now desire more specialized boats, I doubt we'll sell it any time soon.

The Blazer 16 is a recreational tandem that can dabble in a lot of different paddling environments, but is best suited for day outings with minimal gear, on fairly calm waters. This is a great boat to keep at the lake or for day excursions on calm rivers. The shallow arched bottom helps it to paddle well, gives it good secondary stability, and decent glide for its width(36”) and length(16’). The fairly low side height(18/12.75/18”) handles wind decently and makes getting in and out easy (for both 2 and 4 legged creatures). The fiberglass layup is tough(don't ask how I know), and noticeably lighter and stiffer than poly boats of similar size. It also tracks well for a short recreational tandem, even solo from the bow seat.

If that sounds like what you’re seeking, or if your not real sure what kind of paddling you want to do, then the Blazer 16 will likely serve you well. However, no boat does everything exceptionally. If you will be primarily paddling fast moving rivers with rapids or if you know you want to do a lot of longer trips, requiring more gear, then there are better options.

The Blazer just doesn’t have the bow/stern volume or side depth needed for a dedicated rapid/river runner. Though our “Mona” has barreled through a few rapids, she rides wet and her moderately fine entry makes maneuvers in swift current laborious at times. Don’t get me wrong, she’s fine for the occasional jaunt down a class I-II laden river, especially for competent paddlers, but other boats can be more fun.

Extended tripping/camping is really the Blazer’s Achilles heel. She just wasn’t designed to carry much weight. Loaded with a small cooler, small backpack, 35lb Pup, and 2 medium/small sized adults she handles fine. However, add any more and the Blazer 16 becomes a turd! No joke.

Mohawk also made a Blazer 17. It's my opinion that the 17 footer is the better design. That extra foot and few inches enhances the boat’s good qualities, and makes it more capable for camping. The only practical downside is a little heavier boat on land (important consideration for some).

All in all, it’s a well built canoe, that can suit most recreational paddlers needs, at an affordable price. These boats are easy to find used and cheap in my area (AL). This design is still being manufactured. Visit Class Five Boats’ website to see specs or buy this and other Mohawk designs.