Newby. Help with tandem selection, please.

[Giffman]

Hello! Been lurking for a while and decided to join. New to canoeing but not to boats. 25+ years in jon boats, poling skiffs, a bay boat and I recently built two small composite skiffs. Also recently purchased an Old Town Stillwater to learn on before I drop big money on a nice canoe. (Not the ideal tandem, I know, but the price was right and it’s place to start.)

Looking for a lightweight tandem to be used solo 90% of the time. 3-4hr fishing trips. Mostly within a mile of put in, some trips could be 3-4 miles round trip? Mainly small lakes, coastal SC creeks and FL mangroves. Since I plan to use this into my 60’s and 70’s (hopefully 80’s?) and will need to hoist it up onto roof racks by myself, light weight is imperative. Stability more important than speed.

Considering: Wenonah Heron in either Kevlar or Intek, Northstar Opal in BlackLite k w/carbon fiber gunnels, Swift 15’ Prosector in carbon fusion w/carbon/kevlar gunnels. After researching, these seems to be the best options from low $ to higher end. The Swift would be my first choice but no easy way to look at / paddle one living in SC.

Even considering a 14’ solo Swift Prospector to really keep it light. I understand the trade off in stability if I go solo canoe.

Thoughts / considerations on the good, bad and ugly of these hulls and manufacturers?

Thx

 

[stripperguy]

Welcome Mr. Giffman,
If you have built a couple of composite skiffs, you clearly have the requisite skills, experience and suitable place to work.
Don't waste $3,000 on a fancy canoe, spend waaaay less and build exactly what you want.
Just my admittedly biased opinion.

 

[Giffman]

The thought crossed my mind but the idea of starting another boat build makes me want to vomit. lol. 4+ yrs of dirty work and I’m officially burned out. Bucket list item achieved and glad I did it. I’ve sold the boats and the proceeds will pay for a Mac daddy canoe of my choice.