: Thanks, Dave Gentry also recommended a Yost boat. It seemed too
: small but your reply is helping me to understand.

: Actually I'm thinking two solo boats. This as much about a dad
: daughters first teaching workshop project. I have a stripper
: Prospector for team paddling.

: The above plans include an option for a 16'9" boat of the same
: dimensions. I'm big, 6' 2" 240#s, maybe someday the plans
: will work for me.

Bob,
I too recommend a set of Yost boats ( http://www.yostwerks.com). The Sea Flea will be on the edge of the smallish side for your ages mentioned unless they are small for their ages. I would look at the Kidacarda or a Sea Bee as they are going to grow quickly in the next 2-3 years. I built the sea flea for my daughter http://picasaweb.google.com/ve9dt2/11FtSeaFleaKayak and she outgrew it at 10y/o. She now has Sea Bee that will do her till I strip build her a boat. http://picasaweb.google.com/ve9dt2/SeaBee The end pics aren't there; will have to fix that.

Tom Yost makes the most of today's modern materials to make our life easier, with the flexibility to do it a little your way. Some of the guys have had some very interesting patterned skins using Bill Hamm's fiberglass method. I have used the vinyl skin method that is fast, easy, and bomb proof, but the next time it is a fiber skin like mentioned above with a print fabric.

Have fun and get them involved safely.

Don T.