I’ve spent some time looking over old threads on this topic, and I’m pretty sure I have a specific enough question to warrant a new thread. If not, please feel free to point me to earlier discussion.
I’m looking for a jack-of-all-trades solo canoe, but biased towards flatwater. I am a beginning/intermediate paddler who spends time mostly on lakes and reservoirs, but am eagerly planning some 1-3 week trips in the next couple of years, both flatwater and river. I don’t intend to do real whitewater, but am comfortable on Cl I and would like to expand that to some Cl II. I have a Dagger Sojourn, which I like for my lake paddling, but the one time I took it out on a river I had a hard time maneuvering it. I also am sometimes frustrated by the lack of primary stability. However, I find it comfortable to paddle, at least for the 4-5 hour trips I have taken so far. I am 6’2", 190#, shoe size 12, and I prefer to paddle kneeling.
I’m not sure if I should start looking for a different boat, or try to grow into the Sojourn. If another boat would suit me better, I’d love to hear some suggestions on makes/models so that I can be ready to grab a good deal on a used one when it pops up. My budget is low, around $1K and hopefully more like $700, and ideal weight is 45# or under, although I could go heavier if the price were right and it portaged well.
All advice and suggestions welcome. Thanks!