Your will get better answers from some of the other guys here but I want to say two things. I lead a few trips on our lake. The guys in 10' boats STRUGGLE to keep up even with our leisurely pace. I assume the extra width required really slows them down and it is not just the length. Every one of them have gone to longer boats and are much happier. I think you be making a mistake to go that short from what I have seen.

Secondly, if your just concerned about weight, I just finished the frame on a boat similar to Toms Sea Rider. 17' and amazingly lightweight! From this, weight is not an issue with SOF. Handling it is nothing. Just one hand to pick it up and walk around.