Years back my brother and I built 2 Cape Charles 17's. from Chesapeake.
The Ches. 17 is a more refined version. When I visit my brother I use his 17. The boat handles rough water fine. It's the paddler more than the boat that handles the rough water.

Since you're 6' tall, (I'm 6'1") my major annoyance of the 17 is because it's 24" wide and relatively high volume, my hands occassionally hit the shear. If it was lower volume or narrower, that wouldn't happen. For a first time paddler it's an OK first boat. You'll outgrow it in a year if you paddle reguarly and a year from now try someone's lower volume and narrower boat. You can always sell as I did mine - but I don't regret building it and having it for a year.

The general problem with all first time paddlers/builders is that you have no paddling skills and experience with kayaks which forces you to build a beginners boat - and you outgrow it quickly s your skills improve and your abillity to brace and paddle.