Well, if one is going to spend the majority of his trip lifting the canoe, then we guess weight should be the most important consideration.
Every canoe is a product of compromises.
When we purchase canoes, we balance elements like hull shape, length, width, and rocker to provide a canoe that s ideal for a particular type of paddling. By understanding how those elements affect performance, you can be more confident of choosing a canoe that s right for your style of paddling. All other things being equal, a longer canoe is faster and easier to paddle, while a shorter canoe is easier to turn. Anglers, bird watchers, and photographers who need a stable, secure platform prefer wider hulls. Cruisers and wilderness trippers like the efficiency and speed of narrow hulls.