MB....the only reason I was out in a 30 mph that day was ignorance/borderline stupidity and I must possess a high bladder to brain ratio!  BUT I did manage to paddle north to south down Royd lake in WCPP two years ago into a very stiff south wind with the old two blader and maintain some sense of dignity.  So contrary to what some folks say, I do have the ability to learn!
Later.......Mike

I have it down pretty good after quite a few years.  I very seldom tandem anymore.  I have a center seat yoke from Spring Creek and one of their composite double bladed paddles.  I did a two week solo in WCPP in 2017 and nineteen day with brother last year.  I still used the two blades as it's easier for the bow guy to fish while I paddle.  Works great.....for ME like you say.  Thanks for the inputs!
Later.......Mike

MB,
I'm correct in that its what works for ME. 
I take articles by experts and fellow QJ people as a place to start. Ultimately what works for them MIGHT not work for me so much.

Your hull shape, how much you weigh and your gear weigh, how and where you can load them. Do they lay below gunnells so you have no sail effect and a low center of gravity etc?

So many variables you need to think about, most become apparent with some good old-fashioned trial and error.

Since I don't own a canoe, I had to learn as I was doing. If you have your own canoe, it's easier to test things out before you go on a trip.

  That's one of the things I love about the QJ and trip reports. I learn so much from the way other's do things or what led to embarrassing moments.

Every trip I learn something new and like most here are always open to refining my methods.

ST,  You are correct as usual.  Over-thinking and under-performing are two of the things I still do well.

I grew up in a house where all answers were black and white.  My Father had no concept of gray areas.  I continue to foolishly expect that in my adult life, so when I receive seemingly conflicting information from the printed page or wherever, I look to others as tie breakers.  Or at least to help me understand it.

Mike, I would not have the nerve to challenge a 30mph wind.  My rule is never be out in weather faster than the VNE Speed of my own guardian angel.

Thanks to everyone for offering your thoughts.

Regards,

Mossback

Mike,

If you are going to keep soloing with that tandem canoe, check out some of my trip reports.

After years of trying different things, I think I have it down pretty well now.

  You want to be paddling backward in the BOW seat and into the current or wind the bow NEEDS to be slightly heavy.

  My old SR16 used tandem died so I used a 17 ft SR tandem on the FUBAR trip. I knew that extra foot of waterline was going to be a problem so I brought a waterproof bag, that I would fill will water and put right up in the bow.

Worked great. The wild card with people who take dogs, especially a big one is whether or not you can keep them in one spot. 

Funny story about trimming.  On my maiden solo voyage with my tandem I ended up kneeling in the bow with my wife's kayak paddle (which I had along as a spare) struggling to paddle into a 30 mph wind on a river.  When I would come to a bend in the river the wind would actually blow me around and back upstream on occasion because the stern was so high up!  THAT moment is when I realized that I didn't know squat about trimming a canoe.  To add to the fun was a 60 lb. golden retriever bouncing around in the boat.   Luckily the trip ended well except for a few lumps on the dog's head from my paddle.  I'm guessing that my guardian angel must be a paddler and the dog eventually forgave me.

PB....you're right.  Sometimes we just have do more doing than reading.  Experience is the best teacher.....IF you survive.

Stay safe and warm........Mike

+1 on PJ's and ST's comments.

Happy holidays........Mike

MB.

I believe you're overthinking it.
Before your next trip fill your packs with some ballast to approximate gear weight and get out on a local lake.
I think it will become readily apparent how you want to load your canoe and the easiest way to FINE trim it.

Mossback, I can't think of a true solo boat that you'd want your bigger pack in front of you, given the distance it would take to account for leg room. Better to have weight closer to the center and adjust trim with smaller packs even if they're out of reach.
Was the article you read talking about solo tripping using a tandem or tripping in general? If so then it would be true.

As for trim too much either way is too much. Different boats and conditions should only take slight adjustments either way once you're close to an even balance.

As for the doldrums, yes it is. But I'm waiting for snow. Come on blizzard.

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From Paddling .com and Kevin Callan, who seems to be generally in favor of a light bow.

Mostly adding to my confusion.

MB