I don't have any definitive answers for you, but I will be starting to build a 14' Great Auk for just this purpose. I will be able to tell you more by the end of summer. I chose this design because it is wider and shorter than other touring or cruising kayaks. Althought the Auk is supposed to be a strong tracker, I feel the short length will still make it manueverable in tighter quarters typical of river and small lake use. This is all conjecture on my part though until I get it built and wet.