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It's what many SOF canoes and kayaks use. I'm not sure exactly what qualifies nylon as "ballistic" rather than just regular. That looks more like some sort of waterproof vinyl to me but I'm no expert and it's hard to say from pictures. Alan

It certainly sounds like you might appreciate something a bit quicker and more sporty. If I was you I'd start looking at some used boats just to get a feel for their speed, sea worthiness, and how they handle. Maybe you find something that fits you perfectly or maybe you just find some old...

I think it depends on how hard you're pushing the canoe you have now. It's been my experience that you don't get speed for free. If you're both strong paddlers and you're pushing the Adirondack pretty hard then you certainly might see a speed benefit from a "faster" hull. On the other hand, if...

As others have suggested wading shoes (fly fishermen) and climbing approach shoes often tout sticky bottoms. Vibram makes a lot of different sole materials and many shoe manufacturers specify which ones are on which shoes. You might look for something with the Vibram Megagrip sole. Alan

I think current and waves are two very different things. I have a hard time wrapping my head around waves. I don't think they actually move like they seem to. I'm not even sure they really move much at all. I've never quite understood it. Alan

I don't think that is realistically achievable. About the only way to not be passed by waves is to surf the waves and, while fun, is much scarier than getting passed by the waves. Guys in surf skis do this and in that context it's a blast. Not something I'd want to do in a tripping canoe though...

I normally paddle go straight solo canoes in the 16' range and other than when I used to paddle 18' 6" J-boats (which I found to be a nightmare in following winds) I've never really had an issue. Wind is common here in Iowa and there usually isn't much option to avoid it due to the landscape...

How far are you carrying to the water? Normally I either throw the gunwale on a shoulder or just carry it over my head. Even with a tandem I'm more likely to shoulder it than carry it by the yoke for quick carries. Alan

Heck no. I feel sorry for whoever gets stuck in the tandems! :) Alan

Lots of great options here. I thought only a small handful were clunkers: https://sites.prh.com/modern-library-top-100 Alan

I agree with Jim. When I was researching it the consensus seemed to be that bottom side paint was intended for boats that spent weeks or months at a time in the water. Everyone seemed to think top side paint was just fine for short term immersion like canoes or boats that were taken out the same...

I think it boils down to the fact that most people don't want, and never have wanted, to really become proficient paddlers. Most people just want to get out on the water, soak up some sun, be with friends, and maybe drink some beers. By far the lowest threshold to do this in terms of price...

Everyone here locally knows you can go places in a kayak that you can't go in a canoe because kayaks draft less. Alan

And, if that day should ever arrive, listen to us howl in agony as we wish they'd all stayed in their kayaks. Alan

It looks good from here! As for filling the gaps I wait until I'm about 2/3 done with sanding the exterior. I tape off the big gaps on the inside of the hull to keep the epoxy from getting through. Then I thicken the epoxy with wood flour (you'll have plenty after a couple rounds of sanding)...

I'm not sure what your reasons are for trying to avoid portages but if they're not physical reasons then I would recommend reconsidering some of your options. I, and I'm sure many others, began our tripping careers exploring canoe routes with the idea of avoiding routes with portages. It very...

Those are fun boats. I had a couple of them. On both of them I removed the gunwales and cut down the sides a couple inches to make them a little easier for flat water paddling. The sides cut easily with a jigsaw. On one I shortened the thwarts a little for a bit more tumblehome. It definitely...

Have you ever tried to get back into a canoe after a capsize? :) Alan

It won't be directly from the bow but I ran a loop of cord from the center thwart to the carry handle. I used a metal ring to tie both ends of the rope together. To this metal ring I could clip the carabiner of my anchor rope. The metal ring would be within reach as I deployed the anchor and...

That was certainly my experience. I grew up where there were very few people paddling anything. And anything they did paddle was big tandem aluminum canoes. Growing up I thought that's all there was. When I was in my mid-20s kayaks were starting to get popular and readily available so I got one...