I think it is perhaps more important to realise the particular likes of the well-known designers, and appreciate that any of their kayaks are likely to reflect their taste.

For example all four of Nick Schade's boats I've built (HC Great Auk, Guillemot L, Aleutesque and Petrel) are quite loose-tracking, and I would never build one of his designs (again) without a skeg. Also quite quick.

Rob Mack's boats that I've tried (North Star, Ootek, Ootek X) are all straighter-tracking, as near as dammit neutral (don't weathercock) and much more stable than Nick's. Also a little slow.

The two Bjorn Tomasson designs I've tried (Isfjord and Hunter) have been the least stable of all, in fact the Hunter has put me off building a Black Pearl, but exceptionally easy to roll, and very fast.

Of course, that's just my opinion :-)

Justin