Okay...all things considered: So WHAT is The BEST Sea Kayak on the market? with what length & width? What do ya think?

I think you have to qualify the answer a whole lot. Obviously, what might be best for any given paddler is going to depend on their size, their abilities and exactly what type of use they intend for the boat. Some boats are pretty good at various applications, but some compromises are inevitable if you choose an all-arounder.

It's very much like trying to pick the "best" car, truck, motorcycle, etc., etc. It cannot be done in a general context.

Every boat is a compromise. I think we can all pick favorite boats - these are usually boats that perform well for our ability and the type of paddling we enjoy.

Last summer we paddled 104 miles of the Missouri Breaks. This meant having at least a gallon of water per person per day, plus wag bags and the means of carrying out our waste. On top of this a week's camping equipment and food along with safety gear.

We took our 24 year old Sea Otters and they were the perfect boat (for that application) would they be the perfect boat for playing in rough water not a chance.