Gavia,  Besides plagiarizing ideas I am also happy to admit my ignorance and ask for help or clarification.   Make me understand your comments about the Indy related to "sticking the stern", is that to say you are trimming for an abnormally heavy stern to keep the wind from blowing it flat?    Why do  you suggest moving the weight to the far ends?  So it does not pivot so easily and tracks better?

I have always been puzzled by the information I have found on the Indy that seems to  contradict itself.  Factory specs list it in the Moving Water category, yet for tracking give it an 8 out of 10.  Other factory literature claims it as "Our performance solo touring canoe" and one more boasts "Our best flatwater solo boat"

My reality is I have little enough time in it to have good confidence in bigger water.  So I am planning a trip from Prairie to the end of the Man Chain and back.  I am taking a double ended paddle at ST suggestion, although have not yet tried it,  and some time ago purchased a set of  Cooke covers to minimize wind effect and keep some of the waves out.  My guess would be all of the gear purchases will not make up for lack of skill on my part.

Final note, your website is quite impressive and you have devoted much time to give details.  Thank You for the effort, and additional information on the Independence.

Regards,
MossBack