: Related question -- maybe I'm just sitting back too far --- how do you best
: determine the seat position (CLC never really covered that part).
: The boat paddles and track OK, following waves get me surfing and broaching
: so maybe I should push the seat forward a few inches to use up some of the
: dead space

Mariner Kayaks are available with a sliding seat. Their web site explains the changes that occur with moving a seat fore and aft. http://www.marinerkayaks.com/

Moving the seat forward would likely make the kayak broach even more readily. Shifting it backward should reduce broaching to some degree, however, it's the overall design of the hull that makes the biggest difference. If the boat is somewhat large for you, it will ride high in the water and be more apt to slide around on waves and broach, so perhaps you're on target in thinking about a narrower boat.