-- Last Updated: Apr-15-12 10:18 PM EST --
I do not know how much cold water paddling you do but I have seen the elie build up ice on the seam where the deck meets the hull, this could be an issue in Minn. if you try to extend your season.
I have used the Dagger as a loaner boat and found it to be pretty stable, the thigh braces are very adjustable and can be easily removed to open up some space for floor storage. You might try the L model as there may be a little more adustability, you cannot make the S any bigger but the L can be adjusted for a tighter fit.