Following wind, waves, and canoe design. Where to next?

[Steve in Idaho]

I'm not sure if this is a solo canoe question or a paddling technique question, so I'll put it here. If it turns out to be one or the other, Glenn, please move it accordingly.

I am fortunate that I have a large lake 15 minutes from home. I paddle there often, sometimes to fish, sometimes to photograph wildlife, and sometimes just for the exercise and Solitude. I always base my decision of which and where partly on the wind forecast. My normal plan (that doesn't always pan out) is to have a tailwind on the return trip (I assume "no wind" is not an option) not because it's easier, but because it's quicker.

With my current collection of canoes, I have little trouble going into the wind or across the wind if I have to. It's the downwind run that bothers me most. I'm not talking about a breeze and a little chop. I'm talking about a stiff wind with waves built over a long fetch, fighting the boat's intention to broach. There are often times that I rate the difficulty right up with class 2+ whitewater (because I didn't end may day before the usual afternoon blow). What a way to end a long day!

Both of my faster solos (the Solitude and the Moccasin) can be a handful in those conditions. The Solitude is better in those conditions than the Moccasin, but its very low stern shear sometimes makes me wonder how close I am to shipping water back there. One way I deal with the issue is to take the Wildfire, but if the forecast is wrong and I end up with headwind or the famous Idaho swirling wind, I will wish I brought the Solitude.

So here's the question...
What designs are at least as fast and capacious as these two 15.5' solos, still track well, aren't bad in a headwind or sidewind, but don't tend to broach on a long downwind run?

Or am I stuck with a software issue?

 

[dramey]

You might consider getting a splash cover. I bought one from Red Leaf Designs. The splash covers helps miitgate the wind and with any waves that may splash over.

 

[Canoe 1885]

I believe wind from the behind or beam is a common concern. No one want to have their canoe broach or spin into the wind. I live in Bend Oregon and fight wind in both large lakes and rivers often as well. First thought. From AI.
For downwind paddling, asymmetrical canoes are generally superior because they track better in following seas and slice through waves efficiently. In contrast, symmetrical canoes offer better maneuverability and predictability, but can be more prone to getting pushed around by the stern and broaching in large, following waves.
I currently have many solo and two person tripping canoes. I find the above AI statement to be correct. Further you can have a symmetrical canoe with asymmetrical rocker. Example Northstar Phoenix. A well regarded river canoe design, slightly different in water line length and width, with asymmetrical rocker vs you wildfire which has symmetrical rocker. Both examples of canoes more focused on rough water and turning rather then tracking/ primary stability/ speed. Only issue their beam and bottom shape are not considered “fishing canoes”. I have a Bell Merlin II , more the size of your solitude & moccasin, which handles well in waves and downwind. Even a chestnut prospector unloaded is a pain due to high shear lines in the wind. A chestnut pal wood/ canvas solo fishing/ pleasure cruising canoe, in the wind, paddled solo is a favorite of mine as well. Yep canoe designs are best when matched to current condition. A new canoe is always the best answer!
I also find paddle design choice can make a big difference. My recommendation for winds is a light freestyle paddle. Short blade length/ with a wide blade. Great for making quick small changes. Long bladed paddles in the wind can be problematic due to their long blades.
Lastly I find altering my course direction from a straight line to placing the wind at different angles to my back ( like a zig zag pattern ) helps if possible. Wind the four letter word most hated by canoest.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

You might consider getting a splash cover. I bought one from Red Leaf Designs. The splash covers helps miitgate the wind and with any waves that may splash over.

I have one for the bow that came with the canoe. It won't fit the stern, since it's a swedeform hull. Yes, I should get one for that.

A new canoe is always the best answer!

That's kinda where I'm going with this.

Lastly I find altering my course direction from a straight line to placing the wind at different angles to my back ( like a zig zag pattern ) helps if possible.

That works for me, but it's a fight still to keep from broaching. It does force me into a sprint, so that's both bad and good.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I have a Bell Merlin II , more the size of your solitude & moccasin, which handles well in waves and downwind.

That's the kind of enabling comment I'm looking for.
It's kind of embarrassing... I've now passed up a chance to own a Merlin II twice. Now I'm in the mode of watching for another (and with recently announced competition), or maybe a Phoenix.

What I really want to know is if either or something else would make the Solitude irrelevant.