Hi Ed,
Thanks for linking to that post. I prefer the version of the article on my site to the one on the Paddling Mag website. I had to trim it down for print.
After nearly thirty years of paddling sea kayaks I'm convinced that a kayak doesn't need to have light initial stability in order to perform well in rough conditions. I think the Cetus proves this point, as do other stable boats like the NDK Explorer.
The critical bit is really the ability to edge the boat and hold it on edge. A bigger guy can do this in a wider boat. The same guy will feel really tippy in a narrower boat, even a stable one like an Explorer.
I like boats with flattish hulls under the seat. I like Swede form shapes, too as I believe they make edging easier and improve felt stability in a design. Didn't always think this way. The Cetus changed my mind.
I worked for P&H from 2009-2017 and ran US/Canada distribution for a few years, so I can answer Big Bird's questions on the Delphin. I think he'll find the Delphin 155 to be significantly more stable than the Explorer. Probably not as stable as the new, super size Scorpio, but still rock solid. Cetus HV is VERY stable. Virgo is new and something I haven't paddled. It's a little smaller and rounder than the Delphin. Probably not as stable.
Bottom line is it depends on how big a guy Big Bird is. For guys well over 200# the Cetus HV, Romany Surf, Impex Assateague, Scorpio HV all offer better stability than the Explorer.
Learning to roll is a huge help. Whitewater boating is a huge help too. Fastest way to develop technical skills that are directly transferable to the sea.
This review of the CD Sisu digs into a few more bits of boat design esoterica and might be of interest to folks on the message board.
https://kitchi-gami.com/2020/05/10/gear-review-current-designs-sisu-sea-kayak/
Thanks again for the link.
Best,
Brian Day
www.kitchi-gami.com