Valley Kayaks! You can’t really go wrong with any of them, and they build quite a line up. Something for everybody. Just pick the one that fits your body and needs the best As an advanced kayaker, I would think you would know this. The 'Nord is a bit large for me, and the Avocet is my current favorite, but if money were no object I would hop on a 'Nord LV like a chicken on a june bug! It’s the best ride I have ever paddled. Anyone have one for sale cheap? Just the basic fiber glass model. No exotics.
Rockpool Alaw Bach TCC You might consider the TCC as it is a thermoformed version of Rockpool’s most popular model. Less expensive that glass maintenance free. 17.2’ X 21"
Boat choice For build quality, the Tiderace Xcite S and Valley Nordcapp LV are top of the line. Both are quite manueverable, and are good rolling boats. These are kick-ass boats for the most challenging conditions, popular with experts, ready for hard use.
The Nordcapp is not for everybody, if you need a lot of stability to feel comfortable you should look elsewhere.
I would think the Nordcapp would be faster, since that is a primary objective of this design. This Tiderace is not specifically designed for speed over long distance, though it is fine for speed and tracking.
Valley Nordkapp-LV tried a NDS Expedition and a Valley Nordkapp-LV yesterday… I can handroll the NDS with one hand and every time… only succeded in rolling the nordkapp-lv 1 of 15attempts… was disappointing.
but have been promised that i can borrow the nordkapp-lv and try i out some more in the real enviroment… (tested both indoors)
The LV has higher rear deck So hand rolling it may be a little more difficult than the NDK is my guess (not being able to hand roll anything at all yet, shame on me).
As for knee hatch, I think it is not too difficult to install one - the link about Sea Line (or whatever the Valley Hatch Cover Replacement thread) has these products listed. Simple drill and install affair if you want a flexible sleeve type.
Cetus LV/MV? It would seem to me that a P&H Cetus LV or MV should be on your short list. Has all the features you’re looking for - fair speed, maneuverability, knee-hatch, etc.
Nordkapp … … for me anyway, fastest kayak I’ve paddled would be the Nordkapp LV. I’m comparing to the Cetus MV, Tempest 170 and 165, Aquanaut, Aquanaut LV, Avocet, Atlantic LV (Shoreline), and Polar. Lots of variables of course and “your mileage may vary”, etc, but that’s what I found.