You makes good points, as does Steve. I also agree with the points made by others in this thread. In fact, learning to overcome and handle a specific design makes a lot of sense. I’ve never paddled a V hull but apprectioniate your explanation. The Skipjacks of the Chesapeake Bay have shallow V hulls. When heeled, they rest on half the hull which is flat and stable. Once you get accustomed to that feeling of a sudden twitch, it must be as stable as you point put. However, there are many other designs that offer favorable characteristics, such as hard chines, soft chines, flat bottoms and rounded hulls. Each with a specific purpose and characteristic, yet each paddler has a preference based on needs. When I read comments about the Tempest, my wild guess is that the favorability is based on a performance edge over touring style kayaks, while it retains a resaonable level of stability. Then @Craig_S provides some startling observation that he meticulously observed by comparing the Tempest to the Tsunami. Not surprising Craig’s data appears to support the perception that @kenpcjr offered. Since I respect Craig’s analytical process, I can’t help feeling that kenpcjr might be on to something, especially since other kayak owners posted very similar comments about the Bahiya.
The Wilderness Systems multi-chine system is essentially a faceted V. When riding flat, it’s a version of a V. As it goes on edge, it rides a secondary V, but when it heels further, it finds a flat that increases stability to such a degree, it snaps you back to center. Ironically, that self-righting tendency feels awkward if you’re not careful to keep your torso balanced and centered.
That hull design is used in both the Pungo and the Tsunami line. My first 14 ft kayak was a 140 Pungo Duralite model. The forward foam flotation block/hull stiffener blew out on the highway, so I added a forward bulkhead to improve seaworthiness and to stiffen the hull/deck which was a bit flexible when unsupported. It’s one boat I’ll never sell because its so forgiving and a perfect loaner for guest paddlers who are new to kayaking. The 14 ft long by 28 inch wide boat only weighs 39 to 43 lbs, depending on the literature, but it is easy to carry. The low deck reduces wind exposure, but when paired with an open cockpit, it invites water intrusion in waves that I often encountered during open water trips. The standard model makes a heavy boat, but the Duralite version seamed to skim the surface of the water. I sometimes wondered if it would plane if pushed fast enough.
Many novice kayakers express a fear of being enclosed, but the opposite is actually more important. The enclosed deck and longer length adds a safety factor not present in open cockpit boats. The draft of the Pungo was so comparatively shallow compared to the Tsunami, it tracked straight while being easy to turn. I tried many boats during paddle day events with mixed impressions, but the light version of the 140 Pungo was an immediate sell. Anyone looking for a stable platform should jump at the chance if a model is listed. Just install a front bulkhead to improve floatation and provide hull rigidity. The console does helps shed some water washing over the front deck.
The real surprise to me is how the 26 inch 125 Tsunami, the 24.5 inch wide 145, and the 24 inch wide 175 Tsunami are virtually just as stable. I believe WS erred in making the 140 and 145 Tsunami 25.5 inches wide, when narrower would be lighter and faster. I’m skeptical of the printed specs, which don’t show any difference in weight or load capacity over the narrower models.
For what it’s worth. My comments are not intended to sway the OP’s decision as much as it is intended to offer a different perspective on the pressure to buy a twitchy kayak, which certainly would provide valuable handling characteristics under specific conditions. However, learning to handle twitchy isn’t necessary if a paddler has no need or desire to deal with twitchy, because inherent stability also has advantages.
I may not be very adventurous or skilled as a kayaker, but the stable design of the WS kayaks have served me very well in a body of water that can be legendary for harsh conditions. That doesn’t mean I’d endorse the Tsunami for Steve’s Boysen Reservoir, The Great Lakes, the Ocean, or San Francisco Bay. Just attesting to what stable kayaks can offer a novice looking for capable sea kayaks. Tippy is a condition, not a critical trait necessary in every kayak.
), although that hasn’t stopped me from trying. Very solid secondary stability makes it extremely sea-worthy, loaded or not, in 3+ foot waves, 30+ kt following seas, and confused seas.