I am trying to get advice on purchasing my first canoe.  It will be used mainly for BWCA trips as well as other recreation camping and fishing trips.  It will be used mainly by my wife and myself as well as our dog.  I have been reading reviews on the Souris River Quetico 17 and the We-no-nah kevlars and am overwhelmed in which direction to go.  Any advice from experienced paddlers would be much appreciated.

How large and how well trained is the dog?

How large and well trained are YOU? JK Here's my take on this.  Do you have any experience? If so what did you like about that boat? What did you dislike? If not and you're new to the game, RENT! Untill you find one you like. Test drive all boats loaded! All newer model canoes have good points and bad, there's trade offs from speed to stability and vice versa. I've never paddled a boat that was to light, I have paddled a tank and I'll never forget it.  ;)The perfect boat for me might not trip as well for you. I liked a Bell Northwoods, but I sold her and bought 2 solos, I like them ALOT better!! Don,t discount 2 solos,my wife loves hers. Noah liked his Ark. You might like something in between!  ;)

Before you purchase ANYTHING, I would test paddle as many of your "choices" as you can, loaded and unloaded. Maybe you and wife alternating bow and stern. See what feels best for your style of paddling and how comfortable you feel in it.
 If you can't do that, I would rent one and make mental/paper notes of your likes and dislikes. Its really not much different than buying a car.
Most of the well name brand canoes that have been in business for years are well built and will do the job. NO one canoe will be the overwhelming choice of ALL the paddlers who will give you advice.
 I'm partial too SR, but that's all I've really paddled. I do know there tough and well built, but not always the fastest or most stable in there class.
 Maybe you could rent two different brands if you went with another couple, and swap rides after a few days?  Nothing better than real world experience too solidify you likes and dislikes.

I think ST is right....test-driving is a good thing to do.  Better than comparing all the "specs."  

If you do that, don't limit yourself to the Souris and Wenonah...  Check out the Bell Northwind, black gold.  It's a sweet canoe!

prouboy