> Shawn, That sounds like a good idea. In fact, if he's monitoring any of
> this stuff, he's probably already got them drawn up and wrapped up. LOL
> Now, let me throw another question out there. Are either the Expedition
> Single or the Night Herron a good boat for a beginner?

They would be more suitable for a beginner as-modified with a 24" or 25" beam. I've paddled the standard Guillemot--it's not really all that unstable (I've only been paddling seriously for a year). If you're serious about being a kayaker, you really don't want a "beginner" boat--a more "intermediate" design will serve you well, as you'll grow into it, and your paddling skills will develop more quickly. Note that I use the terms beginner and intermediate loosely--everyone has a different definition of what boat fits what class of paddler.

Basically what I'm saying is that you can go out and build a really wide boat that is very wide and stable on flat water. You won't learn a great deal of paddling skills in a boat like that. If you get a bit longer (faster), narrower boat, you will begin to develop good reflexive bracing and paddling skills and you will grow into the boat. This is usually not a long process--if you're not talking about any extreme designs (less than 21" beam) the learning curve is pretty flat--you might feel a tad uncomfortable your first 2 or 3 times out, but after that, you'll be used to the boat and actually be ready to take on bigger water than if you were paddling a big 26 or 28" wide boat.

One reason width plays such a big role in boat stability (beyond the obvious--wider is "more stable") is that a wide boat is stable on flat water, but in waves, the boat "tries" to stay parallel with the water's surface, hence tilting the boat. A narrower boat will feel less stable in flat water, but actually be more stable in rougher water, because it "tries" to tip less in waves.

If you like the Ex Single or Night Heron better, then build one of them. Part of paddling is psychological. If you love your boat, you'll feel more comfortable in it than if you wished you had a different boat. I know this firsthand, becasue I'm "falling out of love" with my Chesapeake 17 and lusting after a Guillemot or Expedition single.

No, your skills may not be immediately up to it, but building a wider boat that will fit your body size will make those designs a bit more accessible, paddling skill-wise.

It takes as much skill as you're willing to put into learning. If you paddle pretty seriously for a year, you can become a pretty darn good "intermediate" paddler. Read Robert Woodard's (Woody's) trip reports. This spring, he could barely step out of his boat without falling in the water. Now, he has a reliable Pawlata roll, and is working on a screw roll. Just like riding a bike. If all you do is ride to the mall once a month, you'll only have very basic skills. If you get out and ride 1 or 2 or 3 times per week, you can really get a good feel for what you and your bike are capable of.

Balance does play a big part too. So does simply being relaxed and loose.

> What other sites might I look at to see what else is available?

I have links to a couple other strip designers on my kayak page--see link below.

> Time to go as it's time to feed this ugly face. A salad will do, so I can
> fit into one of those skinny boats in about 7 months.

Diet if you just want to lose weight. Build a bigger boat if you're worried about having a boat that fits. Don't diet to fit into the boat or you'll see the boat as part of your diet--the boat part should be 100% fun!

>I need to get one
> finished by May 5th. as my Bible Study group is going on vacation to Morro
> Bay, California and I want it to be ready. Gotta blow their socks off. Two
> or three want to buy the Molded plastic ones or fiberglass, and if I do
> good, I may just get a couple more projects. Thanks for the tip. Rehd

Start building now, and find a local pool that has "pool practice" for whitewater kayakers. Go every week or every other week and just play in the little whitewater boats. You might even learn to roll before your new boat is done. Don't wait until your own boat is done to start paddling--you'll have a much better time in Morro Bay if you're conditioned to paddle.

Besides, if you're the "expert paddler" in the group, it will make it that much easier to sell a couple more boats!!

Shawn