Hi-

I built the west River 180 two years ago. It went together nicely, no real problems.
The boat definitely is a fast hull. It is fairly stiff, likes best to go straight. I've never felt that I could paddle it as fast as it was capable of, but I'm not a really fast paddler.
I tend to use it as my camping boat. It swallows a lot of gear and paddles very efficiently. Very nice looking with the multi-chine hull.

Good luck-

Jack

: Im looking to build a kayak for speed. Anyone paddled or built or heard any
: comments about either the Northbay XL or Westriver 180?