I happened across your post, so this is a very late response. I built the Shearwater Atlantic a number of years ago. I use it in the Virgin Islands where seas on a normal day are 4 to 6 feet. The boat handles very well in all conditions and for the size is easy to turn. I did opt for a Seal-line rudder system mainly to help tracking when paddling cross-current, as we have a lot of strong currents here, but also to ease turning. The boat stays very dry in all sea conditions. I have been in very rough conditions offshore and stayed dry.

My one complaint is that the rear deck is a bit high. I would suggest knocking a bit off the top of the rear deck forms to lower the deck, especially the few forms closest to the cockpit where it kind of "humps". It makes it hard to lay back for rolling. I never have used the volume this kayak offers for gear storage even on very long trips. I am a very efficient camper, but even if I weren't this boat has a lot of room which in hindsight I think i would sacrifice a bit of for a lower rear deck. Please note, however that one good thing about the rear deck height is you stay really dry in rough seas.

I'm happy to assist with any other questions if you decide to build and run into anything. I should note that the boat is slightly harder to strip than smaller flatter boats due to the high "hump" at the cockpit and the tight curves around the bow.

Okay- read through my message before posting and just want to add that the rear deck height is just a minor complaint, and again it's good for keeping you dry, it just makes the kayak a bit harder to roll. I love this kayak!