I've tried both, and I prefer the ocean-style cockpit myself.

An OC does need to be at a relatively high angle unless you are very flexible (can you bend your knees backwards?) which might not suit your paddling style (more vertical technique needed to clear higher deck). It does help keep water out without needing a spray skirt, and to me feels more secure, i.e. not going to fall out and have more stuff to brace against. There are additional practical aspects that others have covered already, plus it looks cool which is as good a reason as any . Scott's recovery has a 24 x 16 cockpit that I like, my next boat will have 20 x 16. I mocked up a 16" diameter round coaming, but found that I needed just a bit more length to keep from having the coaming at a 45 degree angle off the deck....

I put a key hole on the retrieval, 32" x 18", and while it makes for MUCH easier entry and exit (especially from a dock) it also puts anything under the deck lines just out of arms reach while providing a large area for water to drip in if you don't have a spray skirt in place (not so bad in the summer!). There's very little area for knee/thigh contact, but you can add various things to give more positive bracing. I do like the fact that it allows the deck to be much lower, but that alone doesn't really outweigh the less desirable traits.

Something intermediate - say, 26 to 28" long - might be the best of both worlds without being too extreme.

: I am still undecided as to which i want to go with. What do you prefer and
: most importantly why?

: This boat will be flat water boat. No surf of big waves to deal with.
: Typically getting in and out is done in shallow water with the bow on
: solid ground. Some places there are rocks so you just pull up side the
: bank in shallow water. You have to straddle the boat and stand up in the
: water. In my last boat I got quite good at just lifting my hips on the
: rear deck and balancing. I could then slide my feet out of it. By the end
: of the first summer I could even get in and out from a dock 2'to maybe 3'
: above the water and not go swimming. I am pretty sure I could learn that
: skill again.

: I like the idea of having he deck closer for maps and perhaps an Orca style
: day hatch. But I am just undecided.