>> A good double is faster than a good single.

Yeah, I know. With displacement hulls, it all comes down to waterline length, all else being equal. I think Debi was reacting to the responsiveness and general sportiness of a good single when she made her Ferrari comment. And you're right: a double is great when a younger/weaker/less experienced paddler is involved--or a photographer.

There's a safety issue that didn't come up yet in this discussion. The received wisdom is that it's safer for two paddlers to be in separate boats if only two paddlers are going out. If the double gets in trouble, rescue can be problematic.

Finally, the only solution is: MORE BOATS! That's not generally a problem with this bunch....

--S