used canoes for years...sold one in college. wanted another but got sit on top kayaks due to stories of stability, shallow draft, and able to do anything a canoe can. I bought another canoe last year...a slighly used Bell Northwind 16.5 in Royalex. I also looked at the Nova Craft Uncle Bob as well...and a couple others. I wanted stability, ease of paddling long distances, good in cross winds but still manueverable for the sometimes tight tidal creeks of Lowcountry. Love my canoe...and going out with wife fishing after Reds and Spots...with a cooler, bait livewell, extra rods, etc.....and then her being able to turn around and lay down on bottom to get some sun while I continue to fish was priceless. I still may get a kayak for those times I dont want to take a canoe out solo and dont plan on any heavy or large loads like deer hunting......but 90% of time I love my canoe.
For your application I would consider following...and yes I am partial to Bell, Nova Craft, and Mad River....though to be fair Old Town is great as well...just not my top choice.
1.
Bell Morningstar if you want easily handled solo but still good for tandem for day or afternoon. Very maneuverable canoe....around 15 feet if not mistaken and 58 lbs. (My northwind is heavier and I lift it to my truck and such alone without much problem at all)
2.
Nova Craft Bob Special or PAL 16....if looking for compromise for solo and tandem both. I prefer 16 or longer...less effort paddling at speed and better tracking in flat water. For me this equals more enjoyable paddle on water since I will spend 10 minutes loading and hours and hours paddling each trip...so I put more focus on how well it performs with tandem paddling.
3.
Mad River Discovery......good compromise once again....if you are ever planning on paddling comfortably tandem then you will love the extra room in the 16' boats up front so your partners or yourself...can stretch legs and not feel cramped.
If I wanted stable, easy to paddle, good tracking on flat water, decent wind profile so it does not push you all over water...then I would look for low profile bow in 16.5-17 foot length. If I wanted solo mostly with ability to carry two sometimes....then 15 foot is about area...maybe 16 if you might need some room for gear occasionally. Like I said, compromises in everything...length and tracking stability...rocker...tumble home all have their influence for different types of paddling. I would highly recommend going to paddling specialty store or event...and try some out on the water even if you have to spend a couple weekends renting different styles, brands and sizes....if you are not comfortable with how true it tracks especially solo or how steady it feels loaded...then you wont enjoy it no matter the name or how light it might be. Like HOT TUBS..you need to wet test them.
I would also go to
paddling.net and read their reviews and such they have there...wealth of information. Also I found good info at Austin Canoe and Kayak...Piragis...and I bought mine slightly used from adventure shop in SC named Sunrift adventures...but most paddling shops that offer rentals and guided runs will sell their inventory at end of season...and also sell boats for customers that upgrade sometimes. Good place to look imho....
Good luck...