Bell Canoe Northwind

Bell has stopped making the Northwind, but it is a very satisfying boat to paddle and a good compromise between tracking and turning ability. It is light enough to portage in Royalex but able to handle both rocky rivers and the flats equally well.

The Norhtwind is a capable boat that can handle a variety of paddling situations. The Royalex version is 16 1/2 feet with good secondary stablility and decent glide. It handles large lake waves and rapids pretty well, but not as well as the big trippers. It can handle a 5-day paddle with two people and their gear. 

The Northwind is similar to a Mad River Explorer, a boat that does everything well. If you only have one canoe, this is a great choice.