Well, I don't kneel first off. No cartlidge under the domes. Pup is great weight wise, I carry a water jug with a little water in it that I can slide aft to trim the boat. The jug is a low, stable weight for the most part. The pup, however, is neither. He's a solid dog, heavy on top when sitting. It he shifts his weight (as he is prone to do with regularity), and I am leaning a little the same way he shifts, and a gust of wind hits just right, my sphincter muscle is put into jumping jacks.I had a Phoenix for a short time but traded it in. Not sure what made you pucker. It's a bit full in the ends so not the sleekest for driving against fast current. I kneel. I would think that with your puppy that far forward the boat would be bow heavy (and stern light) so wanting to spin around.