Being a novice kayaker, and one who tries to avoid conditions
that I think might be over my head, I can't really tell you
a lot about the differences in how these boats handle (e.g.,
how they are in following seas, surf-zone, etc.). And, frankly
I still find hard-chined Greenland-style boats to be tricky in
terms of locating the point of secondary stability. I'm hopeful
my skills will improve over time.

Having said that, since both these boats are hard-chined and
approximately the same length and beam they have a lot in common.
I adventurously modified the plans a bit on the Cormorant and
trimmed about 3/4" off the top of the shear panels to make a lower
volume boat. I don't think that affects the handling much, but
since I don't plan to haul camping gear around, I appreciate the
weight savings, and I like the sleeker look. I also make the beam
about 1/2" narrower, resulting in a sharper V on the keel. The
Cormorant also has a rising shear chine that creates a sharper V
at the bow and stern. The most noticeable difference between the
two is that the lower wetted surface on the Cormorant makes for
very quick (and easy) accelleration. To me that's preferrable to
a higher top-speed, because I'm not like to win (or even enter)
and races. I really like the ease of accelleration though.

Both boats track very well - I didn't put a rudder or skeg on
either one. And both seem pretty easy to turn. The CLC 16LT was
built from a kit and I have high praise for Chesapeake's product
and service. The Cormorant was built from plans that Grant Goltz
so generously made available for free on his website. The plans
are very accurate and, even with the modifications I made, the
panels fit together beautifully. I'm a little partial to the looks
of the Cormorant, but that's not nearly as important as how a
boat handles. They were both fun to build, and they're both fun
to paddle too.

Peter