Thanks for the run down on those boats Jim J Solo. Everyone has given me really great perspectives so far. I'm mulling a lot of this over because there are obviously some trade-offs to consider.

My first inclination was to go with the SR18.5 because it might give us the room for my son to take the spring creek seat and my daughter to sit on one of the portage packs behind my wife in the bow. At least everyone could have their feet touching the bottom of the canoe!

A Northwind 18 (really 18'9") for example, gives a little more room for somewhere around 42 to 44lbs for the ultralight. I've paddled one and seems fine in a tandem but I don't how it would handle with all four of us.

We've never paddled the Seneca or MNII or III (or IV for that matter) so I have nothing to compare those to -- some have recommended the Seneca but both that boat and the SR18 run closer to 55# and I prefer a lighter load  :)

Just to overly complicate this, I was thinking that one of the longer boats, out for an average 3 day-trip 3 x per summer (what we usually do) would probably be about 500 or so. Much cheaper than laying out for one of those boats now. Also if we decide to do the 2-boat plan next year or year after, we'd still be out less than the cost of a longer boat....hmmm. Lot's to consider here but thanks to you and everyone for the suggestions!

By the way, Happy New Year everybody!