Tempest

I rated this only an 8 rather than 10, because I've never paddled another kevlar no-rocker racing-type canoe. I'm sure there are better now, in 2015, than back in (around) 1988 when it was made, and it was only made a couple of years as I understand.

The Tempest is VERY stable, which I did not think would be the case. It's tons easier to lift on a cartop or move around (on land) than my Royalex Winona Solo Plus, and at about 1 foot longer (about 17'5"), glides much more nicely. It draws so little water with my 175 lbs that I can paddle upstream in pretty good current with not much effort, and it ferries facing upstream very predictably. It doesn't like to turn sharply, of course, but goes straight like a dream.

I bought it from someone whose teenager used it as a tripping boat in Canada, U.S. Adirondacks, and even Alaska -- a testament to its stability. Some ride for a kid! Looks very cool. Very nice downriver tourer; have not raced it yet.