bill, I built a coho and have paddled it some...have built 6 other s&g boats and owned/paddled 6 glass boats over the last 9 yrs. Pygmy's descriptions of the coho match my experience. It is very easy to drive at cruising speeds, easily driven to a fast touring pace (undefined terms, but this is also a subjective experience) , turns easily, weathercocks only slightly. I weight 178 and thought the cockpit was too big at first, having become accustomed to clc north bay and mariner express my main boat, but lately have been enjoying using it in teaching basic sea kayaking and have come to appreciate its roominess. I can almost sit crosslegged in it, or knees up ankles crossed, it's like a chais lounge. Also the knees up position feels good for hard straightline paddling. To my taste these are med/high volume boats and would be ideal for carrying around lots of stuff or as a day paddler for a 250 lb person.

a few years ago I talked to a person whose judgement I trusted and he thought the HP was too stiff tracking.

not liking rudders I am guessing this boat of the three might be a good candidate for a small skeg. any opinions out there?