I am looking for your input on what you feel is a good all purpose canoe, given the following factors: 1) good for moderate BWCAW trips (30-50 mile trips single portaging - generally like smaller river systems being a part of my trips such as the Frost, Louse, Phoebe, Horse, Moosecamp, etc) as a tandem, 2) good as a solo boat for small to medium rivers with class 1 and an occasional class 2 rapids, 3) stable, especailly for fishing, 4) good in waves. I am considering a 16 foot boat in royalex - Prospector, Nova Craft Pal, Wenonah Aurora. Open to other ideas. I understand the Prospector is good loaded and in waves and current, but have heard it is not good as a solo boat in wind. But again I will not be sing it as a solo in the BWCAW as I have a kevlar Bell CJ solo for that purpose. I understand a Pal is better on flat water and less bothered by wind, but not sure it is great in waves or how well it would be to solo in the rivers I mentioned (up to class 2, but mostly class 1 or less). I have searched and read some threads on these canoes, but am looking for more specific information. Please provide your input. Thanks.

id check out the old town penobscot 16 too.

bell northstar. 16ft 6in, 33-34in wide. suncatcher set his up for soloing - mebbe he'll speak up.

I bought a Penobscot 16 with Roylex this spring and im really liking it, paddles real nice solo ! ( I put a couple plastic water bags up front for ballast)

I like the fact I can paddle it tandem also !

I haven't had it on any rapids yet, so can't help you there !

Mad River Malecite. Nova Craft BOB Special. Old Town Penobscott 16.

quote kanoes: "id check out the old town penobscot 16 too."

+1

Prospector & Penobscot a little better on manuverability. The Winona Spirit II tracks better. I think all of them would work great for what you want as the differences aren't that great.

I have an Old Town Penobscot as well.....for all the reasons stated above. Very forgiving if turned around and paddled solo....very dry boat w/ a load.