My ears perk up whenever I hear 'solo canoe'.....

I built my Northwest Canoes Merlin (the 15'-4" one) back in '07 mostly just to shut a couple friends up who had been ragging on me to try a canoe. It was weird building a boat I didn't particularly want, and that I had no reason to believe I would like much. But lo and behold they were right. That boat is on my racks right this minute, and I literally love it better each and every time I take it out.

Since I'm such a hopeless cold weather weenie, I've pretty much became a winter canoeist and a summer sea kayaker. The canoe keeps me dry as a bone from head to foot, from start to finish, except for sweat. I was finally convinced to give it a go when I saw my paddling buddy in his Swift Shearwater keep up with me in my Outer Island, and keep up a conversation the whole time. These boats are fast! Also makes the world's BEST fishing boat.

The Merlin is an asymmetrical design, although it's hard to tell just from looking. I also now own a Wenonah Advantage, and J-201, both in ultralight kevlar, as well.

Maybe I need to take a picture of my freshly carved traditional ottertail paddle now....