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I agree with PD....try to paddle a few boats to see what you like.

   
    If you go that route which is probably the best idea if you can swing it, I would advise you to do this as well.
    Bring your big portage pack(s) with you loaded to the approximate weight you'll be tripping with.

  Then you can see if they load easily and more importantly how the canoe handles loaded?

   One of the reasons I didn't like a true solo was because I like to keep the load below the gunnels.
  My gear pack and food pack both have side pockets I added on. I keep my stove fuel and ropes etc in them. Things I want access to without opening the gear pack. They won't lay cross-ways in a true solo or sideways either.
   With the tandem, they lay either way. I'd have to change my pack/loading system if I got a true solo.

  Right now I don't want to do that. Maybe in the future when weight becomes a critical factor I'll have to go that route.

  I hoping PD's anti-gravity portaging discs get invented by then.  :-? ;) ;D ;D