"Note: I know that a longer kayak is much easier to paddle than a shorter, lighter one."
Please excuse my ignorance IF I am wrong, but
Because longer kayaks (Sea Kayaks) are of the displacement hull type, and the shorter ones (white water) are of a planning design of sorts I believe is why your statement is true? But I don't see that applying to your question about planning on a RIB?
T34...I think your on to something?
