Jeff,
One thing that is often missed in the maneuverability vs. speed discussions is how the skills of the paddler can make a great straight line boat more maneuverable. On my stripper, doing a 180 degree turn at speed with the boat flat requires something like a 100' radius. Put the boat up on its side and it is a small fraction of that. If you want to cover distance, I would recommend putting the emphasis on speed, and developing the skills to maneuver in close quarters.

If you are going to be is surf and rough water, then the ability to turn quickly becomes a much bigger priority.

Just my take on it.

Ken F.

: The more I look at what I'll be doing with this boat I think I want
: maneuverability above speed. I'll probably use it mostly for exploring
: shore lines in large inland lakes and taking it up small tributaries from
: our larger rivers that I live by. So I want it to turn fairly easily.

: The Shearwater 17 hybrid is one I am considering but at my weight (currently
: 225# but working to get it below 200#) I don't want to be squeezed too
: tight in the boat.