> New to the board. Getting ready to build a couple of boats for my wife and
> I. Got it narrowed down to the Chesapeake and Chesapeake LT. We plan on
> doing mostly day trips and a couple of weekends here and there so I am
> aware that the LT is probably the better choice. In fact the LT 16 will be
> the boat for my wife. As for me, 6'3" 195 lbs.,I am concerned about
> proper knee bend in the LT 17. I had a chance to sit in one the other day
> that is not quite completed and in fact did not have the seat installed
> yet. I fit fine but felt that if the seat was in and with knee padding
> installed that my legs would be pretty straight. Any input from the
> crowds? Also, how much manueverability would I lose if I popped up to the
> LT 18, which I think is a little deeper? Thanks.

I"ve built and paddled both a 17 and 17Lt. I'm 6'2", 190lbs and definitely prefer the standard Ches 17. I can fit in the Lt, but it's tight and cramped for my size 11 shoes. The Lt's are for smaller paddlers - especially women. Both my adult daughters paddle the LT and love it. I have also paddled a Ches 18, and prefer the 17 - the 18 is not deeper - just longer and less manueverable. I'd suggest that you stick with the 16LT for your wife and go with the standard 17 for yourself. You will have plenty of room for your knees.