This has been a great thread. I'm sure you have a direction you're moving in for your new boat, but thought I'd throw one out that I haven't seen mentioned yet (more common in the Midwest than NE?). Northstar Trillium?
It's available with a hung seat (I'm in the pack seat) and just a fun boat...
I agree - I ended up not getting the Werner and ordered a 6 degree GRB paddle. Only mentioned the ability of Werner to make on demand since the OP specifically mentioned them, and did not want any bend. GRB could likely make a straight but his advertised paddles are either 12 or 6 degree...
"I have searched a good bit, and find only one offering for a straight shaft carbon fiber paddle (5 or 7 degrees not desired); believe it was a Werner, and they are entirely unavailable."
I know this is an old thread but you might give Werner a call. they and all the retailers I looked at were...