Putting the theory into Practice

From the discussion of canoe categories and the graphs of performance on the prior page, pick an appropriate category or two to investigate. In most cases, Touring Canoes (since they are so versatile) should be included. But pick an added, category (or possibly an alternate one) if you want more of a certain attribute as explained below:

For easier control and balance on calm water, pick "Recreation".
For higher agility and dryness on rough water, pick "River Touring".
For more speed and glide loaded or empty, pick "Performance".
For greater volume and seaworthiness, pick "Expedition".

Within a category (or possibly two), read about and compare just those canoes. Test paddle your choice(s), too, if at all possible. Not all canoes are good ones just because they fit a category, so you'll have to judge whether a canoe in any category is actually worth purchasing. But by narrowing the field, and then comparing only those canoes, you'll save time and are much more likely to find an ideal one for you.

Specialty canoes
Designed for one purpose, not all-around utility, Specialty Canoes sell in limited numbers but can occasionally be ideal.
Marathon Canoes are made to race on flat water. They are very fast but demand highly-skilled paddlers and have little capacity. Recreational Racing and Cruising Canoes are similar but less extreme. Reasonably-skilled paddlers often deeply enjoy these hulls for sightseeing, touring, and even for long trips if the load is moderate. We're well known for our Marathon and Cruising Canoes, and detail them in a separate publication available on request.

Our Minnesota 3 is a long hull designed for use by multiple paddlers and with the capacity to carry all their gear. Even heavily loaded these canoes are faster than any tandem. The Minnesota 3 is an obvious choice for a trip by three adults, but it also may be wise to equip a larger party with these, rather than several tandems.

Our Solo Plus also has three seats, but its purpose is to be used tandem by two people in the ends, or solo by one person in the center. Some tandems can also do this, but the Solo Plus is built just for it.

Our Northfork is an ultra-rugged highly-stable, economical rotomolded canoe.
More variety is available Ð historic replicas, hulls for poling or sailing, and others that aren't common but may be right for you. If you need a specialty canoe, your choice could be quite easy.