Jim-
here is some data that I posted on NWKA, basically a width/length ratio ranking for the Hobie kayaks, this might help you compare other brand kayaks-
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as the width to length ratio is one of the factors that helps determine kayak stability, speed/drag..etc...I was curious to check the Hobies to see how they compared:
Adventure: 0.14
Revo13: 0.18
Oasis: 0.19 (tandem)
Revo11: 0.21
Outfitter: 0.22 (tandem)
PA14: 0.23
Outback: 0.23
PA12: 0.25
Sport: 0.26
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so I have a PA12 (12' long, 36" wide), and it is super stable, I can stand-up, move around, cast, it is great in boat wakes and wind waves/caps...but you don't want to get up on the side of a big ocean swell in it, it is wide enough that you could not lean in and stay upright. it goes just fine but is not fast, I normally pedal it at 2.5mph (easy all day speed) to 3.5mph (for 15min stretches...).
we also have an Oasis (14.5' long, 33" wide) that is faster with 1 person on it and would be easier to handle in swells but even better would be the Revo models.
as I see it, wider kayak feels more like a small boat and is great on lakes/rivers, narrower is better for surf launches and ocean swells...
Next Adventure is a great place to demo a range of kayaks and get a feel for yourself...cheers, roger