I finally took two long paddles on my Northwest Passage Solo woodstrip canoe. I built this to design specs of 15' and differential rocker. This is an excellent solo canoe for downriver and class I&II rapids. Can pull an eddy turn, and paddle straight with ease. On flatwater it tracks well enough but gives up speed and tracking to the longer 16'6" designs with less rocker. I do race USCA C-1 solo canoe (J203) but I would not bother racing this Northwest Passage Solo. Is a little narrow for stand-up poling.
My canoe is build durable and came in at 50#, heavier than planned, but still light enough to portage. I will not hesitate to take on BWCA expedition but expect to paddle to keep up with good canoers in tandem tripper canoes. If BWCA is your main use then I recommend you build the Northwest Merlin instead.
The Passage is a very good all-around solo canoe.
