I was finally able to get some time try the kayak out with a load. I just had a few days so we went to a place a couple of hours away. Not overly spectacular but it worked for a test. My daughter brought her camera so I actually have pictures of me for a change. Gavia Immer handled very well. Plenty of stability, good responsiveness, about average tracking, very good speed, and over all very enjoyable. It was a little twitchy in rear quartering waves but no more than other faster boat designs I have paddled. The full stern and bow design allowed for more than ample storage room, almost more than I like. The Back Joy seat was also really nice for extended paddling, I do need to decide on a permanent method of attaching it. The one thing I would change is I would make the tip of the bow maybe 2-3 inches higher. We had some strong winds and the bow went under more often than I like in the waves. It is pretty rewarding to paddle a boat that you have designed and built on a trip with your two youngest children and have the satisfaction of knowing they all turned out well. Flaming Gorge is truly a spectacular place to paddle on the Utah end, the Wyoming end is much less scenic and varied. This is a link to the trip video if you are interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0UYrPDFC7c&list=UUyE6Lkpk-gzdLb7EtpLUHDQ