Need some tried and true advice

[gosnoldguides]

I have owned multiple canoes and believe I am dialing in on the “right” boat for me. I currently have a 1984 Wenonah Jensen 18 that I recently purchased. It really is a beautiful boat, but I think I’m barking up the wrong tree with it. It’s the ultralight and I almost scared to use it because I feel like its really, really fragile. Here’s what I need the boat to do:

-3-4 day trips with typical gear for two adults.
-durable enough for putting the occasional deer in.
-duck marsh usable in reeds and wild rice
-tracks well for long paddles (occasionally choppy big lakes)
-light enough to portage
-$…i’d be willing to wait and save up for the right canoe.

Is the Jensen 18 a durable boat? I feel like I walking on eggshells using it. Any recommendations or thoughts from you folks would be great.

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