I test paddled both they Prospector 14 and Keewaydin 15 - both pack config - at Paddlefest in Old Forge and again at Racquet River Outfitters. If I had better balance and maybe if I had started canoeing before my 50's, I would have gone for the Keewaydin but the lower initial stability led me to prefer a Prospector. That a used Prospector at a great price in excellent - truely like new - condition became available sealed the deal. I really like it. No regrets. I know it does not perform as well - is not as efficient - as the keewaydin and many other narrower canoes, but don't care.
Do you happen to know approximate waterline measurements for different weights? Swift lists ideal paddler weight between 150 and 400 pounds, with an "industry standard" capacity of 600 pounds.
I am concerned that I will cause too much draft in the 14, but the 15 is so much wider that I don't know if it would work as well for soloing. I am 6'3", and 285lbs. Usually trip with about 65-85 pounds of total extra weight.
I love the looks of the 14, and am trying to decide between it, the 15, or the Northstar Polaris for 2024.
I talked to the Northstar guys at Canoecopia, and they suggest the Polaris over the Phoenix for my weight. Swift said "it'll handle it" of the 14, and Hornbeck seemed very confident that their 14 Classic was more than up to the task. They are all very different hull shapes and I am finding it difficult to believe that they would have a similar waterline/performance spectrum at such a high weight.
The Swifts definitely look the best built for big guys; the seats are huge and much higher off the bilge than the Northstars. Hornbeck is a different system altogether.
