I’m new at sea kayaking. See my post last night titled “Greenland boats
for big guys.”

At Jon Walpole’s excellent site
http://www.cse.ogi.edu/~walpole/kayaking.html I was struck by the fact
that most of the boats in the photo gallery have upturned ends and no
rudder. These are the obvious (to me) visual attributes. I think a
couple of additional attributes are a tendency, on average, toward more
rocker and lower deck, than the American designs. I would have referred
to this as the Greenland design until Brian corrected me. Maybe the
better term is British design.

I know many of the owners of the boats in the photos are experienced sea
kayakers. Probably none are novices.

I’m wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of the British
design on average, relative to the American design. Here’s my thoughts,
organized by British attribute, gleaned from various reading. Anyone
care to correct my impressions, or elucidate further?

More rocker.

Adv. More responsive to leaning and paddle strokes.
Disadv. Less forgiving of unintentional variation in body position and
paddle stroke.
Disadv. More prone to weathercocking.

Upswept ends

Adv. Easier to roll. Boat is less stable upside down in the water.
Adv. Bow cuts through waves rather than punching through.
(Are there other advantages of an upswept stern? Cuts waves that
approach from the back?)
Disadv. Upswept stern is prone to weathercocking. Though a skeg can
largely mitigate this.

Lower deck

Adv. Allows you to lean further forward or back for easier rolls.
Adv. Boat isn’t pushed around as much by wind.
Disadv. Wet ride.
Disadv. Not as roomy in the cockpit.

--
Paul S.