There's a guy in southeast MN who has several Wenonah Herons for sale in royalex. I'd be very interested, but looking at the specs I'm not really sure it's what I want. It is short for a tandem at only 15', and has about 1.5" of rocker. I've never paddled a a canoe with that much rocker, and I wonder if it might be too tipsy for me. I'm not a whitewater guy, just want a royalex tandem to float down rivers. Does anyone have experience with the Heron? What are your thoughts?

The Heron is perfect for a small river as long as its not hauling camping gear for a week. If both paddlers are under 200 lbs and you're only bringing lunch and a few things it should work great. Paddler size 200 lbs + with gear I’d look at a 16 footer minimum.

Your Backwater is 15 foot and has 1.75 inches of rocker. Do you feel comfortable in that? Rocker doesn't make a canoe tipsy, just makes it turn more readily. Haul shape is what makes a canoe feel tipsy. I own a fisherman and find it much more stable than the Old Town Pack canoe. I think it's a fine canoe for small rivers with one adult and a kid, but I would not chose it for two 190 pound plus adults personally.

I don't normally paddle my backwater, I motor it. But thanks for the input, both of you. I feel better about it now. I just might give that guy a call, since used royalex boats are getting more scarce.

Handycamp: "I just might give that guy a call, since used royalex boats are getting more scarce."

They are. It took me quite a while to find a royalex in good condition, that had not been stored outside. Looked like he had 9 to chose from, hope one of them works out for you.

I weigh 155 lbs. soaking wet, so it shouldn't be a problem. I hope it works out,too, thank you. I still think royalex is the best all-around material for canoes ever made. Just my opinion, but I suspect many agree.

Handycamp: "I weigh 155 lbs. soaking wet "

Keep the boat upright and you won't have to worry about being soaking wet all the time.

Looks like I was too late. He deleted his post. Oh, well. Hopefully something else will come along.

Bummer. In MN I would have priced them at $750, so I'm not surprised they sold.