Come on out, Tuber. Actually I've fished from my cedar stripper for almost 20 years. It's the Minnesota Canoe Association's Explorer, a 17 footer that weighs 50 lbs. It's a tandem, although I mostly fish alone by using a canvas stadium seat placed in front of the back thwart. Legs go under the yoke in the middle. I use a kayak paddle to get places, a regular paddle to maneuver. I've adapted Joe Hyde's dual anchor system to it, also. This has such miniscule draw that you can paddle upriver in all but fast water. It's a beauty. Plenty of room. It was originally a racing canoe, meaning long, sleek and with no rocker. We done the BWCA numerous times, so you can pack stuff in it. It will turn on a dime if need be, but it won't spin in the wind (that's due to rocker). I'd highly recommend anyone to build one. Talk about the satisfaction of fishing with flies you've tied and rods you've built, wait until you launch your first hand-made canoe. JGW