On calm water, this baby moves right along with a bent-shaft paddle. While it doesn't feel fast, it is crisp. My small paddling companion liked the Slipper, saying it fit well. I found the Slipper easy to turn and responsive to handling requests. Initial stability felt unexpectedly tippy, which was a surprise to me but was also echoed by some other testers.
Secondary stability seems acceptable.
The overriding concern with the Slipper on the water is the slick inside surface. In crossing waves, the Slipper felt flighty, and I felt as though I was fighting the canoe. I attribute much of this to the slick surface, and before I would commit to a polycarbonate boat, I would make durn sure I could outfit it to keep me solidly connected to the canoe. Mad River says outfitting materials can be bonded to Carbonlite 2000 using a waterproof contact adhesive. I am certain a lowered seat would give a more secure ride in waves.