Variety

I havnt even got my new canoe wet yet and already thinking of a second. Question, I bought a new Nova Craft 12' Trapper for tripping smaller tight rivers. Somebody messaged me about running the Tahquamenon river from the falls down to the mouth. That is considerably larger water than what I had in plan for the Trapper.

Stability wise I forsee no issues but I do worry about speed. This will be a fishing trip for bass, pike and musky, so no real need to move fast; but I'm sure there will be a "want" at times. A short and fat canoe going to put a frown face on me? It's roughly 17 miles and at least one night camping.

One the flip side I'm closer to finalizing a trip on the two hearted river, roughly 25 miles over what looks like 3-4 days depending on portages.

Nothing will tell you how your Trapper handles better than getting it out and pushing it past what it's supposed to do. (I'm assuming you're not dealing with water beyond your abilities as a paddler.)
In my neck of the woods rivers run 1-2 miles per hour; at that speed and your stated mileage you could get your Trapper from A to B without doing much more than correcting. Pack as light as you safely can and enjoy a night out.

He just sent me a picture of his boat, an inflatable drift boat :/ ugggg

He just sent me a picture of his boat, an inflatable drift boat :/ ugggg

Click to expand...

Well, you won't have to worry about keeping up.

Heel your curvy craft to your paddling side and you will speed right along.