: Which one will I like best???I am 5'6 and 175#

Silly! Nobody can tell you that!

: Chesy- Seems a little bulky and I have heard complaints about
: front deck height.

The Chesapeake series is a higher-volume boat with a long waterline. Very stiff tracking, and poor turning (compared to other 16' boats) It has a high top speed, but it takes quite a bit of effort to get it and keep it there. If you have problems packing light, this is the boat for you!

: I have a minamalist type attitude.

Hmm...buy an innertube!

: The Chesapeake LT is more of what I am looking for but it is not available as
:shareware. Could I chop a few centameters off the sides of the regular chesy
:and flatten out the deck or does the LT have a diff. hull design?

Yes, cut off an inch (5 cm) and you've got yourself an LT.

: Cormorant- the low Cp,short water line,and long overhangs make me nervous
: about performance. Will it be as efficient or fast as the Chesy.It does look
: great though.

Why? Performance is highly subjective. A short waterline and long overhangs means high performance, if maneuverability is your only criterion. The Cormorant will be more maneuverable, easier to do leaned turns, but softer tracking. It has finer ends, so it will be even more efficient at cruising speeds (where you'll likely paddle most often) than the Chesapeake, but won't have as high of top-end speed.

: Any comments would be valuable.

I have a Chesapeake 17, and plan to sell it when I get my Cormorant 16 done. I don't paddle with anyone who wants to keep a 6-knot pace. The 16 will be more fun for me for day trips, and playing in waves.

Shawn