I may be able to pick up a used Merlin II for a pretty good deal. I have no solo experience, so whether I pick this up or wait something else out I'll have a somewhat steep learning curve ahead of me. I'm ready for that, but I'm just curious to hear your thoughts about the Merlin II vs. the Prism, Magic, or any other solo you'd like to compare it to.

My primary purpose for this boat is a couple of trips to the BWCA every year, but I also plan to take it out fishing on local lakes. I'm hoping that having a true solo will help me get out on the local water more often. I don't like paddling a tandem alone when the wind picks up, and waiting on other people has gotten in the way of me getting on the water quite a few times in the past. The Merlin II seems like a good fit for these purposes, but I'd like to hear some of your thoughts.

Thanks!

Amhacker,
It sounds like you have some experience in a tandem canoe but little or non in a solo. First off I will say that a solo can feel a little intimidating to the first time user and you may require some time before you will feel totally comfortable in one. I have a wood strip Merlin (a little different than the one you are looking at) and have used it almost exclusively for several years since building it. I use it for tripping solo and when doing so I also use it for fishing as it is the only boat I have with me. It has a better feel when loaded so I usually put some gear in the boat with me to keep the center of gravity low. I feel comfortable using it for fishing.
Dick

I've done a lot of solo canoe test paddling and purchasing. On paper I thought the Bell Merlin II was going to be perfect for me. Then I test paddled it and I didn't like it at all. I found it very squirrelly.

The Prism or the Magic feels rock solid to me compared to the Merlin II. I know it has its fans, but I don't know that a novice will take to it right away. It may take longer to get used to than others out there.

Thanks guys.

I'm going to grab this boat while I can. If it's too squirrely for me I can always sell it off. I'll keep you posted. Maybe if you're lucky someone will post a YouTube video of me trying to get in it the first time!

I have a Merlin II and used to have a Magic. I have paddled a lot of other solos.

A Merlin II is best paddled while kneeling. The factory seat position is often set a bit high to allow for that and it will feel squirrely if seated. If you intend on sitting in it I suggest lowering the seat a bit.

The Merlin II and the original Merlin are very different boats (designed by different people) The Merlin II isn't as much of a hard tracker but does fairly well if you decided to sit and switch. It's much more maneuverable than a prism or magic. It's more demanding of a pure stroke parallel to the keel line of the canoe. If you get lazy and don't keep your paddle vertical the bow will wander on you. The more inside the hull your top hand is, the more of a sweep stroke you're doing. The hard tracking boats will be more forgiving of this.

The Merlin II is one of the best all around solos out there. Big enough for tripping, paddles straight enough, but is also maneuverable enough to run in some moving water. It's not as fast as the Magic, but I couldn't heel the magic over and spin 180 degrees either. The Merlin II will also work OK for freestyle moves, while the prism and magic won't do so well. They all have their tradeoffs. If you want to just sit and switch it may not be the best hull, but as your skills as a solo paddler improve, I believe the Merlin II hull is one of the best out there.