So, I'm a whitewater paddler since early 80's. Lately I'm more interested in paddling locally (Louisiana) and doing easier whitewater, lakes, etc.

Specifically, I'm a small female, about 5' 3" and roughly 115lbs (+/- 10lbs). I am not concerned about how fast the boat is (speed). I am concerned about how responsive and manueverable the boat is, and it's ability to carry gear for multi-day trips (in past, multi-day trips were accompanied by "gear rafts"). Also, I'd like to use a kayak paddle with open boat. Not overly concerned about boat being "stable" (not too tipsy).

I'm doing online research. Have seen the carbon boats (approx 10lbs, built in NY, I think), and the Swift boats (pack boats and a discontinued model still available for purchase).

Here are my desires (as they are in this moment):
-open boat/solo canoe or hibrid
-very light weight (preferably less than 25-30lbs)
-something very manueverable
-ability to use long kayak paddle with boat
-large enough to carry me and 20-40lbs of gear
-low maintenance (a boat that won't crack the firt time I run into a rock)
-ability to be outfitted with a comfortable seat and foot braces
-Used or new

Thoughts? I can travel to look at, demo, and buy a boat.

quote allypurp: "So, I'm a whitewater paddler since early 80's. Lately I'm more interested in paddling locally (Louisiana) and doing easier whitewater, lakes, etc.

Specifically, I'm a small female, about 5' 3" and roughly 115lbs (+/- 10lbs). I am not concerned about how fast the boat is (speed). I am concerned about how responsive and manueverable the boat is, and it's ability to carry gear for multi-day trips (in past, multi-day trips were accompanied by "gear rafts"). Also, I'd like to use a kayak paddle with open boat. Not overly concerned about boat being "stable" (not too tipsy).

I'm doing online research. Have seen the carbon boats (approx 10lbs, built in NY, I think; Hornbeck Blackjack or New Tricks 10), and the Swift boats (pack boats and a discontinued model still available for purchase).

Here are my desires (as they are in this moment):
-open boat/solo canoe or hibrid
-very light weight (preferably less than 25-30lbs)
-something very manueverable
-ability to use long kayak paddle with boat
-large enough to carry me and 20-40lbs of gear
-low maintenance (a boat that won't crack the firt time I run into a rock)
-ability to be outfitted with a comfortable seat and foot braces
-Used or new

Thoughts? I can travel to look at, demo, and buy a boat.

"

Check out if you haven't already this website. Delete the numbers in the location boxes and put in whatever you want to in the search box. It pulls from all of the craigslists nationwide and several other paddling websites with classified ads. PaddleSwap.com

I have a Bell Magic in carbon fiber if you are interested