Do you mean this design?

http://www.bearmountainboats.com/17-6Redbird.htm

or

http://www.leewoodenkayakscanoes.com/canoes.htm

There's some others as well. Strip built or S & G?

For what you described, you want something with 2-3" of rocker. Good
GENERAL rule of thumb is an inch of rocker for the highest class rapids
you'll mostly paddle.

Why do you want to lower the ends? Is weathercocking an issue?

Others might have some good plans suggestions.

--
Matt Langenfeld
JEM Watercraft
http://www.jemwatercraft.com

Tim Taylor wrote:
I am looking for a boat design.
Intended purpose would be general purpose, use on twisty rivers with at most
class 2-3 rapids, and river/lake tripping in Quetico or similar locations.
Weight matters

Last year I built a 15' Hiawatha with a lowered sheer on the ends. It is a
nice fast boat in a straight line. Great for smooth lakes. On the down side,
it has a limited cargo capacity and I expect it will be a struggle on a
river, given the canoe's tendency to go in a straight line.

I figure I want a 17 foot boat this time with a bit more rocker in the hull
and maybe a bit more fullness in the ends. The Redbird (with the ends
lowered) comes to mind because I have a copy of "Canoecraft".

Can anybody comment on the redbird design or suggest an alternative?