: Eric's question is kind of relevant and welcomed as long as we 

: would like already classics like Petrel or NH(there are many 

: others too)from the builders scene,to be found compared in the

: "charts" along with Nordkapp, Explorer, or many others 

: . I can't cope with the fact that no one is able/willing to 

: answer the question straight. Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt 

: anybody in any way but I am on the search for the answer to 

: exactly this intriguing question.

The "Straight" answer is to ask the builder/designer to recommend
one of their 
boats that will best handle the way, where and how,
YOU plan to paddle.

Most people fall in love with a "look" and after you spend hundreds
of hours building 
it, you have a lot invested in liking it.

There are SO many variables any comparisons are useless and only marketing.

No other human creation on earth suffers greater variables than a small solo boat.

Small changes in boat length, width, and hull shape have a great effect.
Fair or foul water conditions can drastically effect small boat handling.

Skill level and experience trump everything. A tiny, middle aged woman 
paddled
one of my larger kayaks on a really windy reservoir. She was totally in
control and loving it! She blew away my expectations that she would have difficulty.

Most paddlers will not use their kayak in conditions that will really challenge
the 
limits on the design, or reveal the reasons for the design feature.
There are so many different designs around the world because of "local conditions".


Local conditions and intended use dictates design.
Small boats were all "work boats" 
but have evolved
into weekend pleasure craft.

Displacement figures for a small boat are a big joke.

Kayaks were "work boats" and designed to carry a paddler and a
huge variety of 
weight in gear and game.

AND I don't hear any designer's having strictly "salt water" and "fresh water" 
boats!
The difference in displacement when a kayak is in salt water and fresh water 
is significant!
I remember comparing pictures of myself in the same boat carrying the 
same sandwich
and wondering why I was sitting so much higher in the water.

Compare your request about kayaks to one about cars.

Want to get into a fight fast? Just start asking about comparing
stock cars to custom 
built, or simply one brand to another!
Forget abou-it! (pronounced with Brooklyn accent).

Which brings us to all the varying reasons and ideas we have
as builder-designers and you 
have as builder-paddlers. These are endless also.

Paddle, educate yourself on differences between long boats and short boats,
wide boats and narrow 
boats, hard chine and soft chine boats.
Know your skill level and be realistic about how you will use 
the boat.

Most people are fair weather paddlers. Nothing wrong with that. We're all out to have fun.
In fair weather with smooth seas you can paddle just about any design and have fun.

If you paddle long trips, on the ocean, with high tides and winds, you will quickly
find 
differences in boat design for good or bad. Again, skill level and experience make
the 
biggest difference in utilizing hull design.

The greatest advantage you have with buying a design from a strip designer is to ASK

them which design will be best for your skill level and paddling style.

One thing I know for certain, we small boat designers love paddling and are
happy to share it with you. 
Because if we didn't, we'd do something that payed better.

You can take advantage of our endless paddling experience by asking our opinions.
You can't talk directly to a commercial designer.

That's the best "straight answer" I can give you.

Rob

I hear, I forget. I see, I remember. I do, I understand!
Confucius