As a general rule (which may not hold true in any specific designs), a flat hull will increase wetted surface, which makes the boat less efficient (harder to propel); and will increase initial stability and decrease secondary stability (which means the boat will feel very solid, but will capsize suddenly if you push it beyond a certain limit - it will also tend to lie flat on the surface of the water, which is fine in flat water, but if you take a wave or wake from the side it may make you more prone to capsize).

If you are paddling protected water, consider a Wee Lassie or similar canoe that is designed to be padded kayak-style - that will make access to fishing gear easier. Ross Leidy has nice pictures of a Wee Lassie he built on his site - let me know if you'd like a link.

: I have been viewing this board on a regular basis.(GREAT INFO).I know must
: come out of the shadows and ask a question,please forgive my ignorance
: ...when building a kayak (stitch & glue)does it need to be -v- shaped?
: what are the ramifacations if the bottom is flat with 2 or 3in chine?
: instead of a slight -v-shape. How would it perform, what makes the kayak
: bow stay above the waves vs.punching through them.the kayak i am going to
: build will be used for fishing in Fla.thanks in advance.