I've paddled most of the boats being considered. To me the Magic makes a great compromise between size, quickness, seaworthiness and weight. Its forgiving, relatively fast, light, pretty and can carry a decent load. The Voyageur can handle more weight, catches more wind (requires skill and persistence to handle in a wind perpendicular to direction of travel) but is quick as all get out. It simply flies. It feels unstable initially but, much like a bicycle, picks up stability with speed. The only thing I don't like about the Voyageur is the amount of freeboard- it feels excessive to me.  I paddle the Voyageur's little brother the Advantage, also designed by Kruger (back when he weighed about 150# less than he does now). It's a good tripping boat, but not a very good fishing platform- I'd make the same claim for the Voyageur. Despite it's size the Magic seems much more adept at handling heavy seas, particularly from the side- it just seems to dampen the roll "Magically".