The CLC Chesapeake is probably a good combination of everything you are looking for: You can build it from plans (utilize your woodworking skills) It comes in several sizes (your size) It has a lot of room in the cockpit (your feet) You can still get it done this year. This winter you can then start on a stripper. The only aspect of the building process you will be unfamiliar with will be the glassing.

Problem with Pygmy is that they do not sell their plans for the most part. They want to make all the money on the kits. That is not a slam, only a fact (I would have had to spend $700 for a kit when I made the boat from CLC from plans for $250).

Something else to watch out for if you build a S&G is the local availability of Marine grade plywood.

If you have the time, pick up a few books on each type, but the responses so far have given a pretty good description of what is involved in building each design.

: Dear All,

: I am interested in building a sea kayak, and am looking for advice on
: kits/plans. I guess my basic question is strip vs. plywood. what are the
: pros and cons? What are the differences in the end product, regarding
: durability, seaworthyness, etc. I am 6-2, 210# and size 12. I am an
: amature furniture builder (have lots of tools and expeareance) but have
: never built a boat before. I am athletic and grew up on the water,
: surfing,sailing,whitewater canoeing, so while I`ve never paddled a kayak
: before, I don`t think I want a real begginer boat either. The boat would
: be mainly used for day trips around the islands of souther Maine and for
: short treks/weekend camping. So far I find Pygmy boats most interesting.
: They seem to offer a design for almost every need and size, and seem to be
: held in high regard by those who review them in kayak magazines.

: Thanks for taking the time to answer, I look forward to your thoughts and
: insights MBF