So for some reason, I now have the itch to build a kayak. I have been a few times over the years but I would not consider myself a kayaker (yet). I do enjoy wood working though.

I'm 6', 195lbs with size 11.5 shoes. I would like a strip built kayak for no other reason than I like the way they look. The primary purpose of the kayak would be for exercise. Since I live in PA, I'm not all that close to the ocean so chances are, it may only see the open water once per year (beach trip) if that. It would be confined mostly to lakes, rivers and creeks.

Ideally, I would like the boat to track well, be relatively fast and stable. I don't really camp, so day trips (although infrequent) would only need to handle some water and food.

Any suggestions on which boat to choose would really be helpful.