I have been paddling a Grand Illusion since last November and loving it even though it was made for folks much bigger than me. I wanted a personalized version with a shorter waterline and loosened up even more to feel like a whitewater kayak. I got the go ahead from Sterling Donalson to chop a Grand to 16 feet from it's 17'4" length. Rather than rework the bow I chose to butt another stern section under the bow to create a symetrical hulled kayak. Mick Allen from this board gave me the name for it, thanks Mick.

So far it is working out great. Here is a video link to Rowan Gloag, one of The Hurricane Riders from Deep Cove BC testing it and giving me his first impression.
http://vimeo.com/12892572

Here is a quick slideshow on the evolution of the Reflection. The one on the truck is a Grand Illusion for comparison.

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g16/reglakephotos/The%20Reflection%20Project/?action=view&current=a90213e3.pbw

Thanks to all the contributers on this board over the last ten plus years that have shared their knowledge and given me the confidence to tackle projects like this one. This is a personal project that may eventually be connected with Sterlings Kayaks, I honestly feel that through this board we are raising the bar a bit for the kayaking industry side of things.

Thanks again all,

Reg