Old Towne kayaks have made a big change in the market--here in Canada, and no doubt in the states. They are competing directly with Clearwater here in the low-end of real boats--i.e. not just cottage toys. Hell, they're even appearing at Canadian Tire.

They seem solid and have that brand-name thing, but I wouldn't confuse them with Old Town's venerable reputation for canoes.

Myself, in twenty-odd years of kayaking I have never, ever dumped one unintentionally. That includes Lakes Ontario and Huron, Gulf of St Lawrence, Northumberland Strait, etc. Put it down to the low centre of gravity. I have not been as lucky with canoes but would argue that both types of craft are intrinsically stable when properly loaded (and paddled in appropriate waters).