Thanks for the reply! And I DO appreciate your objectivity.

The prices on the two have gotten a lot closer than you might think, although the Diamondback comes with a dual station heater and Coatit for a little less than the Alumiweld, similarly equipped but w/o those two features.

Why do you think the AW would row easier with a load.....bottom design, freeboard height, or...?

FWIW, I would rarely have 3 adults in it. Usually two, but usually two adults and a kid or two. I'm sticking with a 16 x 54, by the way.

It probably would spend 95% of it's life on the Sky, mostly between Sultan and Ben Howard.