You are the same size as me, except I'm 15 pounds fatter.

I dont have a lot of experience in the Silver, save a few trial paddles. I didnt find it uncomfortable.

The Spring Run fits me very nicely, given the same note about padding it well. I do think 5-10 and 180 is a little big for the Silver, unless for your intended use a smaller boat is desired. The Spring Run felt a little tippy at first to me, but now it feels big, and my Cape Charles like a barge.

I'd say, think about your future needs, and dont worry too much about the boat feeling tippy at first - either boat will. The first thing I did in the Spring Run was to swim You'll get used to it pretty quick. If you want a great tripping boat, tracks real strong and needs leaned turns, and handles the rough right at home, you'll like the Spring Run a LOT - All Joe's boats are great. If you want something more for rolling and playing, then perhaps the Silver would be better, or the King. The best thing to do would be to paddle them if it's possible.

What does Joe say about it?

: Thanks to everyone for your insight!
: To answer Shawn's question, I am 5'-10" and weigh about 180. Is this too
: big and fat for the Silver? I must admit that I'd love to give a 22"
: beam a try, as I sometimes find my Chesapeake 17 a little on the
: "clunky" side. But, I also don't want something that makes me
: think twice about reaching for my water bottle due to stability problems.