I have built both the Patuxent 17.5 and a Chesapeake 15.5. The Chesapeake is roomier,and much more stable. I only weight 140 lbs and 5'6" so maybe I don't displace enough water, but with the Patuxent I have to be careful about the stability. Even just sitting in it I end up tilting several degrees to either side. I plan on trying it with about 40 lbs of balast soon to see if it gets any more stable. If that dosn't work I may try flattening the bottom under the cockpit some so I can at least keep from tilting to either side while at rest. It is faster than the Chesapeake mainly due to the 2 inch narrower beam and 2 feet longer length.