I've just finished paddling my new Swift Dragonfly 15 for a couple of days in the New Jersey Pine Barrens with some friends, so I can finally relate my initial impressions of this canoe.
First, let me say that it's all positive. This is a very fun canoe to paddle. Coupled with being a truly remarkable piece of modern canoe artwork, make it a very rewarding experience indeed.
I think the term "initial stability" is a misnomer. I think what that is usually referring to is the resistance for a canoe to move from a flat position. That would only be desirable when the canoe was being used as a platform for something else, like fishing or photography. For the pleasure of paddling, that would be pretty much all negative. This canoe has a huge arc of stability that resists the roll as you get toward the gunwales. There is no discernible resistance between upright and heeled, but it is all very smooth and controlled. You want to be upright? Keep your weight in the middle.
As for directional maneuverability, for the most part, it accurately responds easily to what you ask it to do. I say "for the most part" because it does have 1/2" less rocker in the stern, which aids in tracking a little. A straight tracking canoe has the tendency to resist paddling inputs that would turn the canoe. The differential rocker in this canoe is very slight and it's very easy to skid the stern, but my initial impression is that it tracks a little better than the original Dragonfly I paddled back to back with it. I'd also say that the original Dragonfly is quicker rolling side to side, which makes sense because it is narrower. At any rate, it feels very nimble, but it is a pretty large canoe. Think the size of a Hemlock SRT. High sides and very full in the bow and stern. I believe the size suits me at 205 lbs and for my intended use as a wilderness tripper on far north rivers.
I haven't had it in any rapids yet. I expect it to run dry. I had it on the Great Egg Harbor River, which was extremely tight and technical. In that situation, the size worked against it, but it was still fine.
For a stretch on the Batsto River, I traded canoes with Bruce Kemp for his Curtis Dragonfly that he has paddled since 2008. He commented on how much it felt like his Dragonfly, only larger. He said it felt immediately familiar.
I will have the Dragonfly 15 at the Western PA Solo Canoe Rendezvous at Cooper's Lake Campground near Slippery Rock, PA from May 30th to June 1st for anyone who would like to come and try paddling it. If you are unfamiliar with the event, it's like a sleepover camp for adult solo canoe addicts. There is no cost for the event and they even feed you!
