Happyjack,

I purchased a Northwind in March 2009.  I've also soloed in tandem canoes on many trips over many years.  I used the Northwind on a 9-day Q solo last July.  Since I've never used a true solo canoe, I can't speak to how much "better" they may be for a trip, but I had little problem soloing my Northwind, even in moderate wind/waves as long as I had it trimmed right.  I paddled from the stern, as that's the way I've done it for almost 30 years.  The Northwind is heavier than a true solo, but lighter than my earlier Royalex canoes.  On some tighter landings/portages, it took a little more time and effort to navigate the Northwind solo through the brush compared to a shorter canoe or with a partner.  Sometimes, when fishing in the wind, if I felt I needed more weight, I'd just find some rocks to place on a towel in the bow.  Someday, I may just go ahead a buy a solo canoe, but with a couple of kids in college now the true solo will have to wait.

The Northwind and I will solo for 20 days or so this July/Aug and spend some time in the Camel Lake area...I bought a cane seat and may attempt to add a third seat closer to the center and test it out on a local lake here in Ohio in May.  Or I may just say heck with it and stern paddle as I've always done....20 days solo might be a little crazy, but I can't wait for July and Quetico...