Canoe Colorado
Performance Canoes and Sea Kayaks

Canoe Colorado's  Canoe Outfitting:
Comparing Mike Yee and Bell Outfitting Options

Bell Nexus with Canoe Colorado's Mike Yee Tandem Outfitting

What is Outfitting?

When you buy a whitewater canoe from Bell, you are buying the basic shell. Unless otherwise noted, the boat does not come with seats, float bags, thigh straps, or paddling. Those items fall into the category of outfitting.

So why doesn't the canoe include those items? It is possible to order a Bell canoe already outfitted, with the outfitting that Bell puts in their boats. If you are the same size as the Bell fit model, and you intend to use it the same way they set it up, then it's a good option.

Most of us however are not the same size as the Bell fit model, or we want to use our boats in slightly different ways. At Canoe Colorado we bring in the basic hulls, and offer a wide selection of outfitting. That way you can get the boat set up exactly how you want, where it fits you perfectly. Custom outfitting also allows you to buy and install only those things you need, instead of paying for items you will never use.

Due to the custom nature of outfitting, the following are only examples and sample prices. We will outfit the boat to your preference, adding or omitting when warranted. Bell Factory Outfitting is standardized, and does not allow a custom option.

Mike Yee Outfitting and Bell outfitting is available in kits for the do it yourselfer. Installing outfitting yourself will save you $100 on a solo canoe, $150 on a tandem.

Mike Yee Outfitting:
Mike Yee outfitting is the lightest weight and easiest to adjust. It is the original and is considered to be some of the best outfitting available.

Bell Ocoee with Mike Yee Outfitting and Large Floatbags

Bell Basic Outfitting:
The Bell basic outfitting is very similar to the Mike Yee outfitting. The Bob Foote saddle is cut slightly differently, and the bag anchor system is not releasable. Otherwise is is comparable to the Mike Yee system. Bell calls their outfitting "Mike Yee inspired".

Bell Deluxe Outfitting:
The Bell deluxe outfitting uses a separate strap and anchor for the knee straps and thigh straps. Unlike the Mikey and basic Bell, it is more difficult to adjust. The separate straps allow differential placement, and can create a more secure, but more difficult to exit system. This is recommended only for expert paddlers with a reliable roll.

The Bell Deluxe outfitting can be installed by Bell or by Canoe Colorado. Outfitting installed by Bell will use their fit model. Outfitting installed by Canoe Colorado will fit the components specifically to your body. We don't trust fit models, and so outfitting installed by Bell is only available as a special order item. It is our understanding that the Bell installed outfitting now includes an additional thwart. We have been putting in the additional thwarts with our outfitting for years.

Bell Factory installed outfitting will be designed around the Bell fit model. Canoe Colorado installed outfitting will be custom placed where it fits you the best. Most of us aren't the same size as the generic fit model, so our preference is to custom place all outfitting for each specific paddler.

Bell Nexus with Tandem Canoe Colorado Outfitting

Notes on Tandem Nexus Outfitting:
   The Canoe Colorado installed outfitting uses large end bags and a center bag, totally filling the canoe with floatation. Bell factory outfitting only uses smaller end bags. The area between the paddlers is open and without floatation. We strongly suggest using both the more durable NRS bags, and the center bag for whitewater.

   We do not encourage using the Triple position outfitting, as the boat will not run trim. Likewise the Bell factory installed tandem outfitting is prone to a trim problem. With the Canoe Colorado outfitting we custom place the saddles where you will get the most performance. We will measure/ test trim on the water, with you in the boat, before installation. Different paddlers sizes and weights can affect trim, which is why factory settings only work if you are the same size as the fit model.

Pricing for individual Mike Yee Components

Pricing for individual Bell Components

There have been some requests for more information on the Electric Bilge Pump. This is an experimental system Eric developed to instantly drain whitewater boats. It can only be fit inside the Bob Foote pedestal, and so boats with the electric bilge pump will have Bell outfitting installed by Canoe Colorado.

The system is in a prototype phase. There is no warranty to the pump system.

Early tests of the system are impressive. It is able to drain a properly outfitted Prodigy X or Nexus solo in less than 20 seconds. The system has changed how we are running our test boats, because instead of worrying about filling up with water and having to bail, we are able to hit the big stuff and still be dry at the end of the run. It drains all but 1/4" of water from our test boats. More than we get with a traditional bailer. The downside is that the system does add weight to the boat. The saddle gains almost 2lbs without the battery, and the hoses/ fittings add more weight. The battery is another 2lbs, but can be quickly removed.

For information on what Eric did, and how to build your own, click here