MB,

Whatever you decide to get, I'd strongly suggest when you take it for a test paddle you bring your packs with you, loaded to there tripping weight.

I like to keep my packs below the gunnell's so they don't catch the wind and you have the lowest center of gravity possible.

The ONLY time I've ever dumped solo was in an SR Tranquility. It WASN'T the canoe's fault, my packs set-up/size made it impossible to lay my packs flat.

I was too top-heavy. You can always buy packs to fit the canoe you choose but do you want to do that?

Either way, something to consider besides the quality of the canoe.