: Looking for a stitch and glue design as a first build. Time and $
: preclude strip built for now. I was at a CLC demo day a few
: weeks ago and the Chesapeake 18 fit me well but to be honest I
: can't get past the looks. The CLC guys recommended the
: Merganser, and Eric recommended the 18wide for me. I am
: 6'4" tall and 275 presently, size 12 shoe. I am a fairly
: inexperienced paddler, but will like with this kayak a couple
: years. I will be paddling in the Gulf waters in South Florida. I
: like the idea of a boat I can grow into but need sufficient
: initial stability to facilitate learning. I need to be able to
: handle rough conditions when winds kick up, and to carry a fair
: amount of gear. I was at the launch of the Everglades Challenge
: a week ago and want to be able to do the challenge in a kayak.

: The Merganser is billed as a "low to medium" volume boat
: but I assume the 18W would swallow a bit of gear. What about the
: 19' Baidarka? As I began to read about the design it seemed like
: a kayak designed to move heavy loads through rough seas. I like
: the looks of both of these designs. I am open to any other
: suggestions as well. If memory serves me correctly I did a
: search for "Merganser" on the board here and there was
: one or two in Sarasota? I'd love to see one!

If time and money are big factors consider skin on frame construction. Tom Yost's Sea Tour 17 EXP with a displacement of 350# would be a good choice and the plans are free. If you haven't visited his check it out. He has all the information you need to build, you will have to do some searching on the site to find it.

George

http://yostwerks.com/SeaTour17EXP_2.html