In my experience there are two ways to think of it- there is going in a straight line, and there is a tight-tracking boat.

If you want to go a straight line, usually the boat with more rocker and looser tracking will go in a straighter line because it is easier to correct and adjust as you are pushed by forces other than your paddle.

Then there is the tight tracking boat. I had a very tight tracking boat, and it was great for going balls-out full speed when I wasn't even looking up much (Jay Leno explains that the expression "balls out" pertains to the regulator on an old steam engine, not to a man's testicles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfDYgMfuEvY). I didn't need to make course corrections, but when I did they were REALLY HARD to make. I never paddled that kayak in much more than light chop because I didn't think it would do well in waves where there needed to be more maneuverability.

So what is your compromise- a looser tracking boat like a Night Heron with a skeg? Or is it a really straight-tracking kayak with a rudder? I don't know- Freya Hoffmiester said this about the kayak she designed with/for 65n kayaks:

"would now (after my student’s learning phase…) never paddle a skeg only kayak for an expedition or even a simple day touring, as it is a waste of energy to do correction strokes with the paddle. Why should I not rather just press slightly my either tip toes to go around a corner instead of taking speed out of my pace to use the paddle for directional control or to edge my kayak? I see no reason…besides kayak teachers have something to teach and it may be fun to learn. But it is not efficient, neither on surfing waves, nor on fast paddling, nor on maneuvering your kayak through narrow slots. And efficiency is a BIG word for me on a kayak trip…and it may end up into more safety…" http://freyahoffmeister.com/2014/05/06/my-freya-expedition-kayak-is-it-just-another-philosophy-of-efficient-paddling-my-personal-review-care-and-maintenance/

The 65n Freya is very close in design to the Panthera.

Now- another consideration is the conditions. I don't know what Chesapeake bay 3' chop is like. Great Lakes 3' chop is a drag. Our waves are so steep and so close together any boat with any speed will charge down the wave until the bow hits the bottom of the trough, but the wave is still pushing the stern so voila- the perfect broach, every time. You need a skeg, even on kayaks like the Night Heron, which ocean paddlers will tell you doesn't need a skeg. If I were paddling the ocean, I'd say they were correct.

Now, how this impacts your decision is to look at the design parameters. At least one of Björn's designs says it's not well suited to steep waves with a period of less than 6 meters. Oh- what I'd give to see 6 meters between waves! I've seen that once on the great lakes, and it was quite an anomaly.

Good luck. It's a tough decision.

m