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The standard north bay is not a boat for you if you have any mobility problems. I opened up the cockpit by removing the keyhole shape but it is still work to get in or get out, but at 5'7" you might be ok I am 6ft and after a little practice and a few roll overs I learned how to get out.It rolls real well. The boat require your attention in rough water. You will get used to it and learn to love the feel.The small size and low inital stability is why I built a XL for the ice, cold water(32degrees) and trips. I have never paddled the other boats you mention so I cannot coment on them.

Not to get off the topic but, Bruce how do you find the North Bay? I am
: looking at some CLC choices and really like the Greenland style though I
: have never paddled one. I m a bit concerned about their "expert
: only" recomendation for th North Bay in that I figure it means your
: likley to roll a lot and my roll back up is not as confident as I'd like
: it to be. Still, it just has a nicer look than the Chesapeak LT17 and West
: River 162 I am also looking at. BTW, I am 5'7" and 140 lbs. but still
: need a bit of moving room due to some joint problems if that matters for
: response.