The tandem I used for a lot of years is 17'9" w/ a 33 beam and bucket seats. I turn the bow bucket around and just use a regular paddle. I started using a solar shower as ballast but over the years I gained 30 pounds and now it's probably 40 pounds of water in a SealLine type bag. If I'm going with the wind I'll slide the seat back and rudder a lot. ;)

The boat gets tilted to the side I'm paddling but never what they called heeled and the only time I kneel is when I'm heading into a stiff breeze or I'm scared. I then sit on my camera case which really saves my knees. I don't think my knees could take actual kneeling for any length of time. Hard enough being restricted for any length of time.

Paddling a tandem really isn't that bad. I did it for a lot of years. A few years back I was having shoulder problems so I borrowed a solo. I've since forgotten if it was a paddling or portaging worry or both, although I kinda got spoiled.

Differences besides obvious portaging weight are true solos can paddle into wind that would keep me paddling and not moving forward in my tandem. The other thing is my hands are way more calloused paddling the tandem. You do have to paddle a bit harder to to keep in the sweet spot. It's just paddling though so there's no extra muscle fatigue.

I have been putting on more miles borrowing solos but so what? You can't measure pleasure by the mile and sometimes, when out for a twilight paddle, I often miss the tandem. Hard to explain but it's more lively and responsive w/o the weight of the packs. Plus it's roomier. ;)

Either way, enjoy!