I fell in love with the Swift Dragonfly Canoe

Back in early June at the Western PA Solo Canoe Rendezvous I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and try all three Dragonfly Canoes. Curtis, Colden & Swift.
In my short experience with the boat on a small pond I personally fell in love with the boat. I had it on both lakes and rivers recently in Algonquin Park. Sadly I have not been able to get out onto more rivers only small lakes and ponds
I love how the boat handles, how I feel in it, the canoe is extremely playful but most importantly I love the depth. Center depth is 14" which makes it easy to tuck my size 13 feet under the seat.
My canoe:
Swift Dragonfly in expedition kevlar, custom orange metal flake exterior. I had it built with additional structural support around the seat area as I'm a bigger paddler. Boat weighs in at around 38#.

[@BackcountryPaddler]

It's a beauty! Happy Fall season and Go Bills!

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you and J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

Swift makes some beautiful canoes. I was going to go with a Swift Prospector or Keewaydin for my solo canoe, but settled in on a Northstar Phoenix in Blacklite. This choice was because of availability and while it shares many aspects the Prospector, it is sleeker and more playful. You can't go wrong with either brand though; and being out on the water is so glorious. Last summer was more rainy than I would have liked and really cut into canoeing days. Let's hope for a better year coming up. I am already itching to put the boat in the water. LOL I enjoyed your video...... cheers.

[@mrgjoe]

I'm very tempted on a Swift prospector 14.

[@martycuff257]

Very nice!

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you

[@NikonF5user]

Holy cow I want to paddle one of these; I do wonder whether there's enough width to turn sideways for freestyle maneuvering however...

[@mrgjoe]

That is a good question. I know a lot of freestyle paddlers like the Wildfire for that.

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks for posting love God and canoes both video,borning

[@mrgjoe]

You're welcome!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That custom orange is just sexy! What are the specs on it?

[@mrgjoe]

Length: 14'6" Gunwale Width: 24.5 Maximum Width: 28.5 Waterline Width: 26" Centre Depth: 14" Bow Height: 17" Stern Height: 15.5" Bow Rocker: 2.5 Stern Rocker: Layup is the expedition kevlar with the metal flake exterior paint.

[@tw6955]

What is your weight and height? I am looking for a solo canoe and I am 6' 5" 235 pounder.

[@mrgjoe]

I’m 6’ 1” almost 250. Hemlock Eaglet 1 is an excellent canoe. Also Northstar Northwind Solo is another suggestion. This Dragonfly is a great boat but is not for everyone

[@nunyabidness3075]

River or flat water? And, Day trip or camping? Dog?

[@mrgjoe]

@@nunyabidness3075 both rivers and lakes. Most definitely can camp out of it but I do not paddle with a dog. The initial stability on this boat is twitchy but once in the boat (Kneeling) the secondary is rock solid.

[@nunyabidness3075]

@@mrgjoe I was actually asking to help TW, but that’s great info. I assume you’ve tried the Cruiser and Keewaydin. How do you compare the stability? I suspect you have better single paddle skill than I do. I’ve been alternately using a bent shaft in my cruiser, and I’m not that great at keeping it on track. Of course, I’m trying to keep up with double bladed users doing it, which isn’t helping my form.

[@mrgjoe]

@@nunyabidness3075 stability wise the the Cruiser is the best of the 3. The DF initial stability is very twitchy.