I've paddled my tandem backwards for probably at least 20 solo trips and I get a better feel for it every year. On my last trip I borrowed KF's Prism. It turned at least one windbound day into a travel day. I was great in the wind compared to what I'm use to. It wasn't the joy to paddle though -at least not the sports car feel I expected. It was a fine boat, super stable - too stable for my taste, verging on boring. I think I'd prefer a little livelier boat with more obvious limits.

I bought my first (only) after test paddling four boats the same afternoon. It was obviously better than what I rented previously so it was a no brainer. These days, I wouldn't buy any boat based on anyone's recommendation w/o a test paddle trip or two and comparing it to another boat or two. You will notice what you hate instantly but I think you gotta paddle something for a long while to find the lovable aspects.

So... that said, if you want one, buy something. Do a trip or two. You can always sell it if you hate it.

At this point, I'd seriously consider buying a boat someone offered me for a test trip. (hint, hint, wink wink) Who knows? After a few different boats I may be able to pull the trigger on one if the price was right. I want to shed some portage pounds and still have a boat that I enjoy paddling at least as much as the tandem I know. I seriously expect the same performance jump I experienced between aluminum and glass/kevlar.