After looking through the archives at info on the Shearwater Merganser I am considering it as my second S & G project. I am an intermediate paddler 5'11", 163 lbs, size 9 1/2 shoe. I paddle a Valley Pintail which I love but hate to pack for camping. Is the Merganser 16 or 17 any higher volume than my low windage Pintail? The Merganser looks a bit like my old Avocet. I would like a kayak that is fun to paddle (maybe similar to an Avocet) both for day trips and 3-5 day camping weekends. In other words, loaded and unloaded at my weight. Any info is appriciated.