I posted a thread regarding the unruly behavior of my P+H CETUS in following seas with 20-35mph winds to our backs, we had 2'-3' wind waves, it should have been a fun day, my paddling partners, all paddling NDK's dusted my ass.
This boat has a lot of rocker and turns on a dime, which is nice!
The skeg however is flimsey at best, good or bad design from P+H?
I've never had a boat with this much rocker, looks like I might have to look at my paddling style, which after thirty years of paddling is second nature to me.
Also the boat is swedeform, any suggestions would be welcome.

Smollet, I'm intrigued by your Sunday AM paddles of 36 miles, and your all-day trips of 72 miles. In how many hours do you complete the 36 and the 72 mile outings? And what sort of boat & paddle are you using? How often do you make these journeys? Are we talking statute miles or sea (nautical) miles?

I'm going to chime in here and wonder if this fastination with all out speed is somewhat out of place with reference to paddling. Yes indeed it is nice to have a fast kayak, but if speed is your real interest, then I have to also wonder how paddling is going to satisfy that lust in the long run.

Let's get honest, guys, there isn't really that much difference between a super fast kayak and a so-so kayak. What?--Maybe one point something mph? If competition is your thing, then go for it, but for just enjoyable paddling, I want a boat that cruises with ease and is comfortable and dry in the rough stuff and won't put me upside down if I get sloppy. Oh, and the boat has to look good.

mitch, I wouldn't argue with you one bit about the difference in ultimate speed between "normal kayaks" and a "top sea kayak." Our discrepency is only a matter of definition. I'm saying "so-so" and you're saying "normal." I haven't tested enough boats to be qualified as any kind of expert on the subject, but I have read a lot of reviews on paddling net. and in Sea Kayaker. Outside of a very few very specialized super skinny boats, there isn't a huge difference in cruising speed, or top speed in serious sea kayaks. Like I said, about one point something mph.

I guess you could say that in the world of kayaking, one mph is significant, but only if you're keeping score. The way I keep score is how much I enjoyed my last paddle and whether I did it without hurting myself. I've finally figured out that I'm not Superman and if I try to keep up with power boats, a whole lot of my 66 year old body is going to hurt in a couple of days. My new boat allows me to satisfy my desire for a very nice cruising speed and no sore parts. But I still get a kick out of passing a sailboat from time to time.

Oh, and about paddling hard; I've come to understand that there is paddling hard and paddling efficiently. Efficiently--and I can't realy define that--always seems to do the job better and without the pain-penalty of what I would call, "hard paddling."