Are you already a paddler? If so, have you paddled any other doubles?

If you're used to singles, then most doubles feel like pigs (I can't speak personally for the Guillemot Double). They're wide, deep, and bulky. They're not nearly as maneuverable as singles. They heel a lot in waves.

I'd like to build a double that handles like a single; maneuverable, narrower, and more responsive. Maybe 21' x 26".

If you're not already a paddler, wider beams feel more comfortable until you get used to the motions of a kayak.

If you're 6'-1", there should be enough leg room in the aft cockpit. If you're 230, you likely outweigh your kids considerably. You could move your cockpit/their cockpit/both cockpits forward a bit more to better trim the boat.

Recessed cockpits would be nice on that boat.

If you're not already a paddler, then our opinions don't matter all that much! Kayak handling is very subjective. You will want a different "feel" than I do. When you get a few miles under you, and you have paddled some different designs in different conditions, you'll get a better idea of what you want in your "ideal boat".

Shawn Still searching for his ideal boat, but hoping that his stretched Guillemot 18' with a higher deck for size 13.5's is close to it!

> I'm starting my double project by plotting the forms in AutoCAD in
> preparation of cutting them on a CNC machine (I'm a high school
> wood/drafting teacher). I was wondering what changes/additions etc I might
> want to make based on the experiences of you guys!

> I owned a multihull boat building business for 6 years (before an epoxy
> allergy forced me to shut down) and can't think of a single boat we built
> that I or the customer didn't say " If we were to build again I think
> we should: add an inch here/move that/redraw that etc." It's not that
> I question Nick's design but am just wondering what I might do now to make
> the boat as "perfect" as possible (thinking of rudders,cheek
> plates, hatches, cockpit size/location (I'm 6'1" 230 lbs size 13 feet
> and will be paddling inland waters with my kids) etc.)

> Thanks, Lance