I have to agree on the CLC. I think it's a mistake to build a kid's boat unless you really want to. Unless you've got a passle of kids lined up, in a season or two, at the most, they'll grow out of it. I built the Mill Creek 13 for my (then) 9 year old daughter. I narrowed the cockpit by 4". Kept her centered. This boat was and remains a good size for her, although if she keeps growing (now at 12 she's 5'6" & 100#'s) she'll be handing it down to Mom. Maybe, a shortened Great Auk next. The 28" beam may seem wide, but the design is so stable that fancy paddle work isn't necessary in normal conditions. This design isn't as slick as some, but it builds confidence and basic skills, as well as being easy and fast to construct.