I re-read Jay's post, and it looks like I'm in over my head. I made the hard-chine statement based on my own experience with the Merganser, and based on a statement I was given about hard chine designs from another well known kayak designer. Jay stated that the semi circle is the most efficient shape. Your point is well taken, as there are too many variables in design.

: First I'd recommend re-reading Jay's post on this subject, he knows what he's
: talking about. You can't base speed nor manuverability on if a hull has
: chines or not, doesn't matter in the least. Yes you might have a very
: small advantage at the ultimate top speed in a racing design sans chines
: but that's only for elite paddlers that can achieve the speed for a long
: enough period of time for this to matter. Otherwise having a chine or not
: means little other than if you like the shape or not.

: Bill H.