If the canoe is narrow you can paddle it solo using a double-blade. 

I solo a tandem, a fattie, too fat to use a double-blade.  I bought it for the same reason as you.  I do both tandem & solo trips, but only have room for 1 canoe.

Not being able to kneel could present serious problems.  There are times when it wouldn't be safe for me to be sitting upright fighting winds and waves.  You're much more stable when kneeling, much more connected to the canoe & the conditions.  Be safe, keep cool.

Rent rent rent.  Take as many different canoes out for a solo paddle as you can.  Nothing replaces personal experience & preference.  Solo being the crux as any tandem will likely perform just fine with 2 paddlers.  It's how it feels & reacts when you have no help that really matters.


As a solo tripper who double carries I try to limit my expected distance to 15km/day.  I can do more, but why kill myself?  I still have to make camp, make dinner, make time to relax.