Mad_Mat wrote on May 2^nd, 2018 at 7:41pm:

just thought I'd add:   a few years ago, 3 of us were paddling a local lake - me in my Independence, and one Bell Magic and one Bell Merlin - we swapped out boats to check them out, and all 3 of us thought that the Magic was very similar to the Independence in the way they handled.  So if you really like the Indy, then definitely test drive the Northwind solo that is closest to the old Magic.

Matt,
I am always happy to admit my ignorance.  Just for the record, I like my Indy, but I think I may like another boat better, for a variety of reasons. 

Admittedly my paddling knowledge is still thin in spots.
  My Indy is the only solo I have ever paddled, so I have nothing to compare it to.

I am confused by your comparison above and how the Indy compares to a Magic.

The Magic is 6 inches narrower at the gunwale, 3 inches narrower at the waterline, 4 inches longer and almost no rocker where the Indy has 2.5 inches on both ends.

I would think that would make the two very different.  But then I have not paddled both, where you and your friends have.  Just trying to understand.

Regards,

MossBack