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  HV and Romany S
  Posted by: scott_f on Oct-07-12 3:28 AM (EST) 

I am 6'5" with only a 32" inseam (tall torso) with size 14 feet and weigh 225 pounds. I have both an Explorer HV and Romany S. They fit very similarly except that the Romany S has a wider keyhole. I removed the foot rails from both boats and just use a little minicell foam on the bulkhead and a bit more foam behind the seat instead of a backband. I use the Romany S almost exclusivly now as it's just more fun to paddle.

These two boats fit me better than anything I've ever tried. I really like the keyhole cockpits and knee bumps. It feels very secure when getting tossed around in surf. I have friends who have sometimes gotten sucked out of their boats in a tide race or surf, but I have such great thigh contact in these boats this has never happened.

I tried the Etain as well, but also found it too 'volumy' especially around the front deck. I also didn't like the lack of a solid secondary stability, but this may be a factor of my torso height as others have said otherwise.