I seriously considered not doing a trip this year due to a nagging shoulder problem I developed this summer. The idea of a tripless year was more than I could stand and Kingfisher was kind enough to loan me his Prism (Kevlar, Flex-Core I believe). I don't like too much change all at once so whey my RubberMaid foodpack fit so nicely ;) and after a test paddle for the shoulder, I secured a Pickerel reservation and hoped for the best. (Thanks again! Much appreciated.)

My usual solo boat is actually a smallish tandem, Sawyer Cruiser ~56 pounds, 17'-9" 30.5" waterline max width. I love that boat and we've done probably two dozen or so solos together so I know it very well and I don't like changing things that work for me. Unfortunately that's the only boat I've ever soloed in for more than a day or a few minutes here and there so it's all I really have to compare the Prism to.

First, some general impressions on the Prism. What an incredibly stable boat! Stable almost the point of being boring IMO. I'm going to have to be careful the next time I use my (asls very stable) Cruiser. The thing that really impressed me though was how well it handled wind and waves. Coming around one particular windy point on Sturgeon, I paddled in the biggest rollers I've ever paddled intentionally. The tops of some of the larger swells would come straight over the bow yet that boat was so easy to control and make forward progress with I was truly amazed. I was never concerned for my safety in waves after that.

There was one aspect that has me confused though. With my own boat, I can paddle a straight line from either side all day long no problem any conditions. Same thing with the Prism but only in calm conditions (although it does wobble a bit with each stroke).

Here's what I don't get. Even in a little wind, from a medium chop on up, I ALWAYS had to switch after every few strokes. I had to. I could not paddle a freaken straight line from either side to save my life in any wind at all. (Never had any trailing wind so....) It didn't matter which direction the wind was coming from. I couldn't even keep it straight with the wind at a 90 degree angle to the canoe. With my own boat, It's takes some effort to get the nose into the wind from that angle. Prism, two strokes if need be.

I know these are two completely different boats and I only have a hundred or so miles of Prism experience but I just don't get it. Any insight on tracking in wind other Prism paddlers might be willing to share?

The other small thing was while the acceleration was a refreshing change, the deceleration of the Prism was conversely disappointing. I had read reviews that talked about it's glide. I was traveling lighter than I'm use to but still, glide is not a term I'd use to describe the paddling characteristics of the Prism. Seaworthy, defiantly. Glide, not so much. Tracking, yes and no.

FWIW - KF removed the pedestal seat and installed a fixed one at the farthest back position as I understand it. For calm seas I happened to have a handy makeshift backrest too. Between that and the foot brace, I felt like I was 16 again driving a HS girlfriend's dad's Vet. In wind I could sit up with a foot under the seat and lock myself in. It was a mighty nice setup for my taste.

In any case, as much as I don't get the yak paddle thing, in that particular canoe, I can kind-of understand the reasoning. I still don't like it but it seems reasonable for that boat.

I'd welcome thoughts and insights from solo type paddlers. I simply don't understand why I couldn't paddle a straight line in wind in that thing. At this point I'm thinking some weird aerodynamics of that extreme tumblehome..... Hit a wave wrong and you get a sheet of water over the side. DOH! I wasn't use to that either but all in all I did like the boat. If it were mine, I'd consider removing the back thwart and moving the seat back a few inches. All in all though , the Prism is indeed a darn nice canoe and a refreshing change IMO.

BTW - for all you cheap frugal soloers like me, if you can swing it, you might give a true solo boat some serious thought. It's one of a very few things hindsight has me wishing I'd have done ~20 years ago. It's kind-of nice not being windbound when even tandems with any common sense at all are hunkered down.

db, I'll take a stab. Some older tandem were designed to paddle bow light,,,bigger guy in the back and the light weight/lady in the bow. Your old tandem may be designed to work best that way. Plus a tandem being built for two (fuller design), your trim was probably pretty close, or not as sensitive as a true solo design.

The Prism may want a more level trim. Since KF set it up with the seat back some, you probably put all your gear in front??? maybe??

Anyway wind will push the end of the boat that's not as deep in the water away, like a weathervane. Even moving a small bag to the far end in the stern could have made a change you would notice. In general a solo designed tripper would put the heavy load behind the paddler, close to your back side,,,,and maybe a lighter pack in front, beyond your legs. Adjust as needed and experience in different winds tell you. The front of a solo is narrowed up some not just for speed but for a comfortable paddling position, so you can reach the water easily.

That's all assuming you were bow heavy and turning into the wind. Maybe that's not what you were asking about? I probably restated what you already know.

As far as glide. It might be you were paddling a lighter total mass. So you noticed the acceleration improved, but you had less mass in motion and slowed easier too.

This is really my 3rd year in my Prism.  Last year I couldn't get over how well it handled in the wind, empty and/or level-loaded.  Jim J is right, however, re: its sensitivity re: placing of the load.  On Day 1, lake 1 in Woodland Caribou Park this past June, I was running bow-heavy downwind during a good-sized blow with heavy seas.  BIG MISTAKE.  It was all I could do to keep the Prism from turning broadside & getting creamed!  I managed to get down the lake, somehow, & KF helped me figure out my issue.  Believe me, I was very careful about correctly loading the vessel according to wind conditions from there on out.

Level-loaded or empty, the Prism seems to handle better going into the wind for me rather than going downwind.  Could be my seat placement, I suppose.  I haven't had so much of the problem that db describes re: not being able to paddle on one side.  I'll paddle on the left side of any canoe I've owned all day long; I've had no problem doing so in the Prism.

I also find the Prism to be exceptionally stable (secondary, not initial).  It's been very suitable for my fishing & load-hauling needs in all sorts of water conditions.

Such are my observations.

Jimbo   8-)

from a 3 yr Prism owner...

...weathervanes easy if not loaded evenly
...agree with Jim, poor initial stability...fantastic secondary stability
...I can paddle all day on the right...but I need correction prys off the gunwale about every 2-3 strokes
...speed is ok, and I agree, not a great "glider"

Speed was fine. No great improvement but optimal cruising speed took less effort to hit.

One of my concerns with injecting the different boat into what's become a well oiled system was how my packs would fit. When I left Twin for a day of nearly portageless travel, the canoe was dean nuts level according to a bubble level set on the floor and everything was below the gunnels. I began noticing my tracking difficulties just after I put on my PFD for the top big part of Sturgeon. (I don't like wearing it but I didn't yet trust the boat.) Wind in my face or a bit to the left. Perfect, or so I thought. After my first real feel for how well it handled in a stiff breeze with a whitecap here and there, I just thought I d change the trim next time.

A few days later in in all whitecaps and big swells pushed up near shore I expect I was bow heavy since I was sitting basically midship on my camera case with my knees against the footbrace. I do the same paddle from the middle thing in rough water in the Sawyer. (The low seating is rather comfy actually.) I didn't mind the tracking at all as I picked and chose the smaller swells whenever possible. After the second or third one breaking over the bow it became a strangely beautiful thing making progress w/o fear. I baled some water out at ant island but the sponge took out the vast majority.

I have long arms so my usual stroke is vertical and/or ideally, blade under the boat and thumb down nearest the recovery. (bentshaft) I don't normally need to add much overt correction to my stroke but can when needed. Ruddering being the 8th deadly sin I always try to use weathervaneing whenever possible to eliminate continuous correction. That was the weird thing. That boat didn't weathervane as expected - ever. I know it's a smaller boat and all and took that into consideration but I had no problem pointing the bow into the wind whenever I wanted and unfortunatly when I didn't want to. That's the problem I had I guess. I couldn't use the wind to my advantage as I'd like.

FWIW - I'd say it had good initial stability. Totally empty, it really didn't move much. Loaded it barely moved at all IMHO. Overtly healing it to one side or the other didn't really help my straight line difficulties either. I didn't have a chance to test what I'd call secondary. I don't have much different boat experience but in comparison, I'll freely admit I'm simply afraid to get in my cruiser empty. I took it out empty on a sandy beach one day and tried to tip it. I tried hard and found me and waves basically couldn't w/o doing something drastically stupid. I still won't get in that thing empty even on glass unless I want to cool off. It's scary empty and way WAY more lively loaded than the Prism. I never got a chance to test out the Prism that well though. Camped near a perfect place for it but it was a windy day and I was alone - bum shoulder and out of shape (Hey, I'd bet I have enough fat to float naturally instead of sink like a rock) - some other time perhaps.

I don't know how to put this. Don't get me wrong. I really liked the Prism and it was easier to get from one place to another with. The calluses and thin skin on my hands as I type are proof of that. It was also wonderful to portage in comparison. I almost hate to say this 'cause it's probably not fair but it wasn't the joy to paddle that I've become accustomed to. I don't know, it just didn't have the grace I'm use to?

It did get me everywhere I wanted to go though so it's utilitarian aspects get a big thumbs up. What surprised me the most was knocking off a few inches on each end made it a whole lot more manageable than I'm used to on portages. What a difference 10 pounds and a few inches make!

Honestly, if it were  my boat, I consider removing/repositioning the beck thwart and moving the seat back a bit more. IMO the middle of a canoe is not where I want to plant my paddle. I know comparatively nothing though. Just thinking what if and looking for other observations..

Never paddled a Prism --

I'd guess you were way bow heavy when you kneeled in front of the seat (don't see how you couldn't be)- a bow heavy boat will act like you described, veering off course and being stubborn to get back on.  That would probably account for some lack of glide also - pushing a big bow wake.  

Much of what you described is common/typical with any solo boat - I have never yet heard of anyone not having more issue with a tailwind than a headwind.  Wind affects a lighter boatload more than it affects a heavier load - that alone will account for some of the difference between the Sawyer and the Wen, and it sounds like this trip you went quite a bit lighter than your normal load.  I retrim my boats frequently for changing conditions, even change in wind intensity - there is not one setup that works for all conditions, which is why I use two packs.

Did you have a striaght shaft paddle with you ?  I'd recommend trying that next time, using a "C" stroke in place of hit and switch - you'd probably have less of an issue with not being able to stay on the same side for a long time, and I'd try trimming a little bit bow light, rather than level.


p.s. - sounds like you might be comeing down with "the itch" - probably won't be a better time to find a good used solo cheap with the economy being what it is.  Just saw an 18 foot Sawyer  in escellent condition selling for $400 - I've been seeing lots of good boat deals lately on Craig's List, just wishing I had room somewhere for more than 5.  Wouldn't surprise me to see a nice solo going for four or five hundred.  IF you think ten pounds lighter is nice, try 15 pounds lighter!  My Indy only weighs 45lbs, but there is a huge difference between it and the 29# Merlin

Quote:

Honestly, if it were  my boat, I consider removing/repositioning the beck thwart and moving the seat back a bit more. IMO the middle of a canoe is not where I want to plant my paddle. I know comparatively nothing though. Just thinking what if and looking for other observations.. db

 I find this an interesting IF controversial view. Of course SR solo canoes which he solely distributes have their seat, just past center toward the stern. Still from my paddling a tandem from the front back wards, I can see that if I could move even a foot or so toward the "bow", it would really make a difference in handling especially into or sideways to a stiff wind.

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db you're showing the first signs. You need to test paddle lots of solos,,,then get a different one for all the different water you paddle, creeks, lakes, whitewater,,,,,it only gets worse from here ;D

All kidding aside. I test paddled a Prism. Thought it was a neat idea, got me looking around for a tripping solo. But a prism wasn't really the answer for me. I also found it too wide at the paddling position.

Shorter solos can have a fixed bench and do fine. Longer solos seem to have a sliding seat, and may need them more. You might have had some answers to you're handling if you could have easily adjusted your trim on the fly.

Let me now when you need two hands to count your boats,,,at times I've had to take my shoes off too ;D

Well let me add my $.02.  
Tracking
I think your sawyer is a little longer making it track straighter. But I do not understand why it should take more correction in the prism than the sawyer. On second thought If the sawyer is wider do you tip it  toward the side you paddle on? Some boats turn a little when tipped.
Wind
Every solo except my robroy (almost a kayak) has been sensitive to where the weight is in wind.  Before I had a sliding seat I kept a pack in front of the canoe that I could move with the paddle.  Head into the wind and push it forward.  Get a tail wind and hook the pack with the paddle and pull it all the way back between my feet.
Seat position
With a slider seat I get to try a lot of positions.  It may not be the fastest position but on calm water I like the way the canoe handles with the stern a little heavy.  
Tripping solo boat size
The robroy is a little small and sometimes a hassle to get every thing in and out of. I am some times cramped with a pack between my legs.
The magic is probably a little to big.  It would be easier on the portages and probably faster on the water if there was not so much of it.  NO I will not sell either one.

db,

The reviews stated seem to be on the mark imho.  For me, the more of a load I carry the better I've found the prism tracks (Probably true with all boats?).  She holds a good load for a solo....for those of us that like to take a lot of stuff on occasion. Also concerning the comments about how the load is placed prevail.  I've also shifted the load concerning if going into the wind or with it.  A bit of a pain...but... at least in my imagination...it's helped.

Glad you took your trip.  I opted out this year to see my brother in Seattle as we were way over due on catching up.

Waving at you from Seattle and congradts on making the trip.

k

I got a chance to take a short paddle in Wenonah's Wilderness Sat.

It takes to leaning OK,,,nice mix of initial and final stability,,,a bit wide paddling for me, but not bad from a kneeling position. I used a straight blade. I'm guessing a bent shaft and sitting with feet on the foot brace it might not track real well and you'd be busy switching sides. Better with a j-stroke and straight blade IMHO.

Would have like to jump into a Merlin II, but a demo wasn't available to compare.

Another comment I'd like to add about the Prism is that it "Feels Safe"  With the majority of my later year trips being paddled solo, "Safe" is good.  I have had the opportunity to paddle a couple other solo boats and for me I'm pleased with the Prism.

The Prism is a nice boat, but I have only paddled it with a light load.  I agree with the other solo paddlers, frequent trim adjustments based on the wind and yes, tailwinds are much more challenging.
I paddle a Merlin.  For a number of reasons, not choice, I had to remove the seat.  I had a sliding bench seat glassed in.  I love it.  With the footbrace in she generally handles beautifully.  I have often been the only paddler on the water, with glum paddlers campsite bound, staring at the waves.  
So far as paddling a straight line or being able to stay on one side:  I hit and switch, how often depends on which quarter the wind is coming from.  If the wind and trim are right, I can paddle on one side for a very long time.  I'm used to traveling in a sinuous line.  
One of the reasons I like the Merlin is that, unlike it's slightly longer cousin, the Magic, I can lay my packs down flat (unless I seriously over pack).  So far as capacity goes, I'm a big guy (230#) and I have (over)packed it for a 20 day solo and been perfectly happy with the results.
I love a dedicated solo boat.  Someone else mentioned the Wilderness, which I like, too.  If you want something with a little more rocker (cuz, you might need a dedicated river boat, as well as one for the lake country...) check out the Argosy.  Fun boat.  
Nuff said.  Good luck and have fun.

GP, I've got an Argosy for the small creeks at home. Bit small for lake tripping IMHO, but could work if you had too. Fun to paddle the tight stuff though. Along with the Wilderness from Wenonah, Bell's got a new Rockstar. I think that in plastic might make a nice river tripper. Need to paddle it too.

JJS--yeah, I don't think I'd want the Argosy as a lake boat, it doesn't track well enough.  Great for little rivers and creeks, though.  The Rockstar is pretty fun, I've only paddled it briefly, though, so I can't really review it.  My preference for the Merlin is based mainly on the fact that it's what I paddle and I have got to know it's quirks.  I find it has great secondary stability, and pretty good primary with the foot brace.  It's a brave little boat.
Cheers,
gp

I was about to thank another for their private thoughts tonight but I expect I can do it well enough here and the thought occurred to me that private AND public exchanges deserve the same respect so - thanks all. I do appreciate all the different perspectives offered.

At this point I'm thinking that my tandem boat and I have built a relationship of trust over the years. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of switching boats for shorter trips or testing and I find myself wishing I could just shrink the devil I know proportionately over the next few years....

I really liked the Prism in some respects but now that my shoulder seems happy again ... I really expected the difference between a true solo and a tandem being as instantly obvious as the aluminum to glass transition most of us have made. Perhaps experience is underrated. I get what people are saying and they all make sense but nothing has totally clicked home in my brain so far.

~Goldilocks  :o

Even experienced paddlers need some adjustment time when switching from one boat to another. I go from racing to whitewater solos and can be very comfortable in each. But it always seems to feel funny for awhile, and I've owned these boats of years.

Goldilocks should sit down for a beer and get to know the bears boats.