My primary
: use will be in local lakes for day trips but sound and ocean use are
: possibilities. I'd like it to track well but be maneuverable and some
: playfulness would be nice. It only needs to have a moderate level of
: primary stability, although I do birdwatch and fish on occasion. Good
: secondary stability is a must as it can get pretty choppy on the local
: lakes between the wind and the power boats. I'd like it to be fairly fast
: and good for touring. Storage capacity doesn't need to be large as I won't
: be taking long term expeditions - an overnight or two at most. I'd like it
: be fairly low in the water and NOT weathercock.

Patsy, I'll leave the recommendations to other folks as I work for CLC and don't want to skew the participatory nature of the board. Just want to point out that you've chosen conflicting characteristics with paddler skill being a large part of the formula. Track well and playful maneuverability are different ends of the scale with other characteristics affecting the mix. Sounds like the boat you are looking for is much different than the Walden Vista, what other boats have you paddled that are close to what you are looking for?