Hey I built a yare just last summer, from plans. and I modified it a bit. I flatened it a bit and kept the beam the same. I also raised the stern. you may say huh? raise the stern? won't that make it weather cock? well.. yes it does. but I'm not into excursions or any of the shiz. I use the boat simply for going up and down a 1 mile long river connecting 2 lakes, and for playing in waves on lake michigan and on the 5 lakes near here. this boat surfs sooo well, that I have gone for 10 minutes on one wave "not one, but basicly." without takeing a forward or backward stroke. I have almost gotten piroetts in a 16 foot boat on larger waves, because the bow baries is you don't lean back. The yare is a great fun and easy to paddkle boat. oh by the way I'm 6 foot and 180 pounds. and I don't even need foot braces cuz I wedge in there so well. if u are under about 5' 10" go for the boat. it is fun as hell.