Winooski

Mad River Winooski in Glass w/wood trim. This 14 is a sleeper, as well as being real eye candy. Fit and finish are excellent and it receives lots of compliments on it's good looks. The very broad beam leads to predictably high initial stability. Secondary is also excellent. Easy to portage due to light weight. The surprise is that it feels quicker, tracks better, handles better, and is much less barge-like than a short and wide boat has any right to be. I had fears of being bored to death in order to get adequate stability to make my inexperienced bride comfortable in the bow, but the Winooski is a fun to paddle boat even for an intermediate level paddler. It is an outstanding general-use flatwater hull design in my view. An 18-mile day trip on the Cedar River was very pleasant. Also a great fishing and photography platform. (Yes, you can stand in it..) Obviously not optimal for whitewater or touring. If you focus on day use and/or have inexperienced paddling partners, but can't deal with paddling a tub this is an excellent option. Since their move to the South I believe that MR has stopped making it, so look for a used one to try. My previous boats were an OT Tripper Rx, and Wenonah Sundowner 17 in glass.