I had forgotten about that thread. I remember I felt like a boxer that had gone 10 rounds before it was over. Bloody but still standing. :-) I went back and made some changes to Basic Boat because of Nicks suggestions. Dug in a little deeper into the results and rewrote what I found. Oh and added the Rebuttal Section. :-)

The more I paddle the more I have to agree with what I found. I have a 15 footer I designed that was the sweet spot resistance wise for the 3-4 mph range. With a slower group that is my boat. Then I did an 18 footer with a multi chined, more rounded bottom and what a difference when paddling with faster group. I couldn't paddle with them in Curlew but with it I could keep up fairly easy. According to the data I am have to work harder with with the slower paddlers than in my Curlew, but I am a stronger paddler now so I don't notice it.

I have to agree with the others that comfort is only second to safety. And that is what you find comfortable too. My VARDO design is what most people would think of as more comfortable. Higher volume, higher cockpit, 24" wide. Lots of room to move around in. But I find it makes my legs hurt, especially my knees. My smaller Long Shot is my most comfortable boat. I suspect the narrower width puts my legs in a better position? All I know is I like it better for long periods of time.

Bottom line, nothing beats spending some time in a boat to see how it fits you and how it padldles.