Kevlar is definitely lighter but more $$$$. Also, I have been told that Kevlar is not as durable as Royalex.

I think you're right on both counts. I've been told that Royalex is virtually indestructible and I know Kevlars cost twice as much.

But I bought a Kevlar (Wenonah Fisherman) this spring. I felt I had no choice, as it had to be ultralight or I couldn't buy anything. At my age there's no way I can carry around and hoist onto a roof rack a 55# boat.

How is the fisherman working for you.

Kevlar is definitely lighter but more $$$$. Also, I have been told that Kevlar is not as durable as Royalex.

I think you're right on both counts. I've been told that Royalex is virtually indestructible and I know Kevlars cost twice as much.

But I bought a Kevlar (Wenonah Fisherman) this spring. I felt I had no choice, as it had to be ultralight or I couldn't buy anything. At my age there's no way I can carry around and hoist onto a roof rack a 55# boat.

As with you, I wanted a light canoe. That's why I went with the Radisson (34 lbs)  which ran me about $500 instead of 2-3x more for either Royalex or Kevlar. I almost bought the Wenonah Heron and the Fisherman.  Great canoes as well.  But the Radisson was too good of a deal to pass up.

I am taking it out next weekend and will post some pics. I take it out on some lakes around here that are either trolling motor only or 9.9hp regulated. The canoe has held up well. It has some dents in it (i took it shallow to retrieve some nice lures) but has not punctured. A buddy came out with me and was shocked by its stability.

As with you, I wanted a light canoe.  That's why I went with the Radisson (34 lbs)  which ran me about $500 instead of 2-3x more for either Royalex or Kevlar.  I almost bought the Wenonah Heron and the Fisherman.  Great canoes as well.  But the Radisson was too good of a deal to pass up.

Best of luck with it. When I was shopping I was not aware of these boats. But $500 for a boat that serves your needs is a great bargain.

How is the fisherman working for you.

It's working out very well. It's stable and roomy and meets my needs. The tradeoff for width and stability is paddling inefficiency, but all the places I fish don't require going very far from the access point, so that disadvantage is pretty much negated.

My fishing results have been less than satisfactory, but I can't blame the canoe for that.