: Hi Roger,

: I have a Cape Ann Storm SLT, the smallest in the series. At 150lbs,
: I am at the high end for recommended paddler weight, have >10
: years of sea and white water kayaking, and am probably best
: described as advanced intermediate in skills (more or less bomb
: proof roll, comfortable in class III white water, less so in
: class IV).

: After 2 summers of paddling it, I can offer the following. The boat
: is not likely going to be initially comfortable for a novice
: paddler, but I think that, with keen interest and determination,
: even a new paddler will grow into the boat in a season. I would
: describe initial stability as twitchy, especially when in rough
: water or chop. I find that putting the paddle down to take a
: picture is slightly nerve wracking unless the water is calm.

: All that being said, I love the boat. It is fast for its length,
: has reasonable secondary stability even for someone my weight
: (relative to the small boat), and handles very nicely in rough
: water (at least it does when you are actually paddling as
: opposed to when trying to take a photo or dig something out of a
: pocket). Re. the speed issue, longer boats will probably leave
: it behind (paddler strength being similar) during a sprint, but
: at a more relaxed cruising pace, the boat covers distance with
: little effort, and the shorter hull gives you a lighter and more
: responsive boat. These speed observations will not apply
: directly to the full size Storm due to its longer length,
: however, I think you can still expect a relatively efficient and
: fast boat for its size. I do not find the boat to be responsive
: to leaned turns, but my experience with this technique is
: limited. It rolls easily, but I can roll more or less anything,
: so my opinion on this may not be helpful. In larger steeper
: waves, it has a disconcerting love to take off in a surf, but if
: you would be happy in any kayak in these water conditions, that
: should not be an issue.

: Unless you plan multi-day trips, or are outside the recommended
: paddler weight, you might consider the LT size boat rather than
: the full size Storm. I certainly enjoy the SLT, and I am heavy
: for that design. The smaller boat will be lighter, easier to
: deal with out of the water and more nimble in it. I would
: definitely build it with a skeg - as the case with most kayaks,
: the boat will weathercock in a cross wind, and on a long paddle,
: correcting with your paddle stroke is extra work. With a
: retractable skeg that can be locked in any position, you can
: adjust to achieve neutral steering.

: If you build it and find it a bit twitchy at first, just put twenty
: or so pounds of sand bags behind the seat or in the front of the
: rear storage compartment. That will dramatically increase
: apparent stability, and you can remove weight as you get used to
: the boat.

: Good luck,

: Allan Edie

I'm curious the comparisons, as well - time to contemplate a new build. I built a Storm LT for my daughter - but of course, I had to 'test it out' first. It's the law! I'm a bit heavy for it's specs, as well - but really enjoy paddling it. A friend has paddled it, as well, and we both prefer it to the larger, 'more appropriate for our size' Chesapeake LT. It's faster, easier to paddle, and turns on a dime. No skeg - no problem with weathercocking. My daughter is 'correct weight' for it - and it handles even better for her. Interesting to me how well it tracks, yet how easily it turns with only a few strokes.