The best advice is to paddle the boats. I know it sounds difficult, but if you can get to a local club and try thier production boats at least it will give you a feel for what you like and dont like.

I have a Cape Charles, and Mike and I have fun comparing each others's boats. I built it after paddling one, for the very same reasons you mention; good stability, not likely to be rolled, good touring characteristics. I guess the Chesapeke line has improved on the Cape Charles / Tred Avon. I am real happy with it, but now want a more performance oriented boat, that I can learn to roll in, and the CLC just isnt it. Not that it isnt a good boat, it is. I think even with the Sprin Run, if I were to go camping for a week I'd take the CLC.

When I was in Port Townsend at the kayak rendesvous (sp?) I was suprised at how differently the boats paddled than I expected. The Guillemot was much more "playful", and would be a good transition for someone coming from whitewater. From my big touring boat, it seemed too easy to turn for me. The Pygmy is a very good boat, high volume with good stability, lots of foot romm, dry ride, and good handling characteristics. No plans though, and I like to experiment. Joe's Return is the boat I would have picked by the numbers had I not had a chance to compare it to the Spring Run. The Spring Run is a really good boat, I was impressed with all it's characteristics. Tracks good, not too hard to turn. Dry ride, nice stability, easy transition to secondary stability (no hard spot like the CLC), a very nice blend of exactly the characteristics I wanted. I put the sheer strips on it tonight...

BUT, I never would have known that had I not paddled it. You can just look at the numbers and the building technique, and make a decision and go with it. Youll get a good boat, and it will last a long time. But you may outgrow it. Thats OK too, this building bug is kind of addictive...