Canoe-camping is my favorite vacation. I haven't been much for a few years, not having the right companion. So I greatly sympathize with WWH99's dilemma. A woman who is willing to go canoe-camping is exactly what I'm seeking, too. But tippy (as in very narrow) canoes are not for novices. Is that the issue? I usually paddle solo open canoe; that means I paddle my boat and she paddles hers. If one takes a swim, he or she has only themself to blame. I did just buy a used tandem because of all the women I meet who want to go tandem, not being confident in their own ability. So maybe, WWH99's problem is in my future, too. But mostly, I've been paddling with kayakers for the last several years. Would that idea help you? Find a woman who paddles solo kayak; get yourself a solo canoe. As of the last several years, it seems there are four or five times as many kayakers around than canoeists. And, as a variation of what someone else said, canoeists have half the paddle, but twice the skills. (And that's why kayaking has quickly become so popular: the beginner's learning curve is much easier.)

Dump anyone who dumps your boat, especially out of hard-headedness.

Outriggers, really? It's not the boat setup, it's the woman. Ever tried outriggers? They take all the fun out of it.

Was she wearing a Flotation device? Maybe she needs to try it alone to understand the physics of it.

They are a bit wobbley? But once you get used to that it's okay. I'm a bit spooked by the idea of drowning - but I own a kayak. Being able to control it myself (and I learned on a canoe btw) had a lot to do with my feeling of safety. And I always wear a life vest on the water.

A friend of mine constructed one of wood for his canoe. It seemed to work well. I’ll try to find some pics if you’re interested.