I know everyone is waiting on Spring to break and planning their own trips, but I thought I would give this a shot anyway.

I have hopes of buying/ordering  a new, lighter solo this summer and have poured over  the specs of nearly every manufacturer as well as canoeing  books of wide vintages, finding a considerable amount of confusing and conflicting information.

I understand that most of the seaworthiness of a given boat is more in the hands of the human wielding the paddle than in the hull design, but I am hoping to buy whatever edge I can.

I like TomT’s choice of a Swift Shearwater and a family member just bought a Swift Keewaydin 18.6 and was very happy with his own choice. (not for solo)   Both beautiful boats.

The Bell/Northstar  Magic seems to have a cult following.  I talked to an employee of Northstar who has owned a Magic since it was Bell and claims he will never own any other solo.

I have also seen many Prisms in my travels and occasionally had a brief conversation with the owners who think they are great.

I would appreciate suggestions or comments of any kind.

I am looking for something lighter than my older Mad River Independence at 45 lbs. including  yoke, a bit faster hull would be a plus, but mostly something that will help me get off the water if I find myself in more lively conditions than I should be out in.

I know all of these characteristics are a compromise, but I am just looking for suggestions and the reasons for them.

I looked for a previous thread on the subject, but came up mostly empty.  If I missed one please point me toward it.

Thanks for listening.

Regards,

MossBack