I am interested in a solo canoe that has some rocker,
say 2.5 - 3 inches, for up to class 3 whitewater but
not so much that it does not track well. I an thinking
of the MR Courier or Mohawk Obyssey type of canoe.
I am in NE PA. $300 - $400 would be ideal, doesn't need
to be in perfect condition.
The natural choice is the Mad River Guide, now called the Freedom Solo. My Guide handles better in some ways than my Mad River Synergy, a pure whitewater boat. You are much more likely to find a used Guide than a Courier, and there was a reason Jim Henry designed the Guide--- it is better than the Courier. In whitewater, the Guide is better than just about any similar boat you can name, but remember, if you begin specializing in whitewater, you should get a whitewater boat.
Thanks for the advice but there is one big problem with
The MR Guide; the owners! They may sell you their spouse,
kids, coon dog or pickup but not their MR Guide.
