: Hank,

I finished my Guillemont last May and am very pleased with how it handles. I weight 175# and don't carry much stuff. Most of my paddling is in Santa Cruz area (left coast) and to date I have not done any long trips. The boat handles sea swell and chop well but does require you to use good technique or it will wander. I figure that just makes me a better kayaker. If you use a lazy paddle stroke (good follow thru) you will probabily not be very happy with this kayak. I personally wouldn't put a skeg or rudder on this boat, you'd be happier finding a design that better fit your individual needs. Hope this helps. Rich Ross

Hi All,

: I have a specific question about the Guillemot's handling characteristics and
: would like a bit of input from people that have paddled one.

: I am not aware of a Guillemot in the Ottawa, Ontario area that I can try out
: and all my experience has been with hard chime designs so I would
: appreciate some comments.

: I want to use the Guillemot for long distance touring and don't plan to carry
: anything more that a camera, some rain gear and lunch - 175 to 200 pounds
: fully loaded.

: I have been reading some of the posts about tracking. A bunch of things
: affect tracking - design, paddler weight, weight placement, paddling
: style, rudders, skegs, etc..

: Since I have not started building my Guillemot yet [working on a pair of
: Chesapeake 17 LTs right now] this is the time to make some decisions.

: Do you think the Guillemot design is fine, as is, for my needs? Should I
: consider stretching the form spacing to build a longer kayak. Should I be
: thinking about a retractable or fixed skeg.

: My friend has suggested that a 24 bottle case of beer would be excellent for
: ballast and when that was gone that I would notice/care if I was paddling
: straight or not ;-)

: TIA for the help.

: Hank