I have a Cape Charles, and last year launched a Spring Run as well.

The Cape Charles has quite a bit more foot room in it. It carves turnes better. It has more initial stability. Rolling requires a stronger hip snap than the Spring Run does. Ive been very happy with it overall, and continue to paddle it as well as the Redfish. If I were doing a long-distance trip I'd choose the CLC over the Redfish, mostly for more packing room. The Redfish tracks better, and no rudder is needed. And it rolls easier. I use it more than the CLC now that I'm used to it. My son uses the CLC, and we trade off.

On the down side, it tends to stick it's nose into the waves rather than riding up over them, so is a little wetter ride. IMHO it requires a rudder; in winds above about 10-15 MPH it will not want to go where you point it. The rudder fixes that nicely. The hatches were not very good, I have redone them twice now. I dont think the flush "Liedy-lids" leak, but have not tested them yet either.

I understand that the Chesapeke design fixed the wet ride and weathercocking, but I dont have first-hand experience with it. Overall, the Cape Charles is a good boat. If you can afford the plans, the Chesapeke is a little better from everything Ive read. If you dont want to spend money on the plans, the Cape Charles is a good boat. Build it, you wont be sorry.

: Fair enough.
: How do you like your Cape Charles, BTW?
: I understand the design is now obsolete, but I have been considering building
: one from the plans in the kayak shop book.