: So I have been thinking of building a kayak that will fit my needs as an
: expedition kayaker (lots of cruising) on windy Minnesota lakes, for
: extended periods of time (about a week.) I am also looking for a kayak
: that can have a portaging system designed into it. I'd have to be able to
: carry it on my back with a full backpack of gear.

I'm not sure what you're saying. why on your back ? what's wrong with a portaging cart ? or is it because you never heard about a portaging cart ? there are many of them around. you can but or build them yourself. they are light & small, & they don't take much space in the kayak when stored.

: Earlier I mentioned that I noticed all reference here is to sea kayaks. Is
: there some reason that I should be looking to other kayaks to fit my
: needs? I am definitely not looking for a white water kayak nor something
: that needs to be incredibly manueverable in tight spaces. Do you all have
: experience with this type of kayaking? I have noticed that there are some
: Minnesotans who post on here and I would assume that they would take
: advantage of the BWCA. What kayaks do you use for this purpose?

I can't think of any other type of kayak that will give you the ability to carry a week (or so) of supplies. sea kayak is the type for you.

: I was thinking of the guillemot expedition single but have been a little
: scared by a recent post describing its poor tracking. Is this true? I will
: mostly be hitting calm lakes with high winds and wouldn't want to be
: correcting too much. Ten hours a day of rowing is enough work without
: having to expend extra energy in correcting my path.

I say: collect about 15 different opinions on the same kayak, make an average, & it will be quite a reliable single opinion on that kayak. I have no idea how the gui' exp' behaves. you can always add retractable skeg to help with tracking, & you would probably want to do it (add skeg) anyway. but bare in mind: you will always have to correct your path! that's kayaking. there is no such thing as paddling "straight like an arrow", this frase is just kayakers exsageration. if the tracking issue scare you (I don't think it does) then don't kayak.

: Ok before this gets too long,

ha ha ha.....

what are you talking about ? it's already way too long. 8-)

it's mandatory to try few kayaks before deciding which one to build. I was looking for a 21" wide kayak. I tried one & realised I can't shove myself into such coffin for more than 90 seconds, so I got a coho (23.25" wide). you might discover you have other considerations.

check my site, it might add you some info:

http://homepages.go.com/~fl_pelican/home.htm

check other sites too.

happy building

btw, do you happen to know why alligators don't eat kayakers ?

erez