You didnt read what I wrote.
Every word. Cross my heart and hope to paddle. 
Oh, how we just love this topic.
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LOL! To put an end to the debate: 1) Paddle a shorter kayak 2) Paddle a longer kayak 3) Decide which one is right for you. Bonus points if you use GPS to figure out which one is faster for you. Double extra bonus points if you paddle both kayaks on flat water on calm days without wind or other mitigating factors. Triple extra bonus points if it is the same paddle and same paddler.
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I’m not debating, I’m sharing. Take it or leave it.
I can’t figure out how you calculate speed by passing boats in a no wake zone? Just sharing my thoughts.
Have a nice day!
And that is the best thing to do. Have fun and enjoy!
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Thanks again for all the wisdom and advice. It was never my intention to start a “discussion” on the merits of, or lack of, kayak length. I was just trying to calibrate my newbie brain as I wade into the world of kayaking.
The Vancouver Island trip was a great success, and would have been even without bringing home a kayak as I love Vancouver Island. In the end it was close to a toss up between the Sisu LV & the Norse Embla with a slight lean to the Embla.
And a quick shout out to all the Canadian kayak dealers that helped me out. Sam at Western Canoe & Kayak was amazing. Without his help I’d never have sourced the boat I brought home. And Asger at BestCoast Outfitters went “over and above” with his knowledge of these Danish designed kayaks and was super accommodating with a multiple boat demo in Victoria. I ultimate purchased my kayak from Viki up at Comox Valley Kayaks. Another great experience. My only real challenge with all these great shops was that I was only able to say “yes” to one of them. They were all so very helpful and patient.
Anyway, looking forward to exploring my neighboring island in the San Juan’s.
Cheers & Thanks, Bill
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I think we now need to discuss car length vs. kayak length ratio vs. speed, drag and efficiency, LOL!
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There are laws on that also having to do with your kayak length vs wheelbase of your car.
@DaveTheKayaker LOL, I’ve have similar thoughts. And one of my reasons for trying to better understand the effect length has on performance is that I wanted to minimize the comic effect of kayaking with a Fiat 500.
@PaddleDog52 In all my hours of searching for rack systems for the Fiat I never found even a hint of regulations on kayak length limits based on wheelbase. Wouldn’t be the first time my google skills came up short. Do you by chance have a reference you can share?
One note, there is a fair bit of wide angle distortion which makes this look crazier than it actually is.
I thought the Fiat 500 would be the poster child for small car kayaking but it doesn’t hold a candle to creative folks in their Smart cars. 
Posted it here a few times comes up sometimes sometimes it doesn’t when I Google it.
It is to prevent a vehicle that turns on a dime with something long on the roof from swinging a big arc into another lane.
Your reply helped me refine my google search and I turned up the US DOT rule.
No State shall impose a front overhang limitation of less than 3 feet or a rear overhang limitation of less than 4 feet.
I easily meet this requirement an I appreciate you leading me towards new knowledge.
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That’s only part of it there’s a law based a wheelbase of vehicle.
Well if you ever stumble on the reference I’d be interested in reviewing it.
It’s on this forum somewhere.
I believe that overhang is measured from the axles, not the ends of the vehicle. State laws may be more restrictive or permissive and apply to non-federally owned roads.
I covet thy boat, sir!
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