Which Canoe Should I Take?

[Rute]

Can you paddle 444 miles on the Susquehanna?
Dams to portage around?
Other river hazards?
I'm not a fan of paddling tandems solo. If you are planning on paddling the canoe backwards from the bow seat, choose a boat that's as symmetrical as possible.
I'd watch Craig's List.

Yes, the Susq has even more mileage if one does the entire Lake Otsego at Cooperstown. Yes, there likely will be fallen tree hazards in the narrow upper section until they are cleared in May before the annual Gov Clinton Canoe Races. There are about a dozen dams of various sizes to portage. Only one of my 5 canoes is asymmetrical, and it has a center seat.

 

[Chip]

The only reason I can think of for taking the Penobscot is for hauling gear. It sounds like you are planning a light load, so I’d pick the Reflection. IMO, the Reflection is more fun to paddle, lighter to portage, and faster. The Reflection I paddled was outfitted with 3 seats and I paddled it solo, unloaded, from the center seat. The Penobscot I borrowed from CT’s Waterbearer, was outfitted for solo paddling and I took it on two, 10-day trips with all gear and 80 lbs of water. Maybe it was the weight, but I thought the Penobscot was sluggish.