I had the same problem when I initially got into kayaking. The choices of boats was huge and everytime I went to look at boats the list got bigger.

The other problem was that everyone I talked to had a different and equally valid opinion as to which was the best choice.

What I eventually did was read every article and comparison test, on the boats on my short list, that I could get my hands on. Most of these boats had very similar characteristics according to the tests. The paddling tests were more subtle. They pointed to things like initial and secondary stability, tracking, turning, etc. As a first timer I had no idea what they were talking about.

So from my short list I picked one that consistantly rated highly in the tests and articles. A Necky Arluk III. Was it the best boat? I don't know! But my figuring went like this; I am a first time paddler and will be learning everything new so adapting to a new boat will not be a problem. All the boats in my short list would have worked equally well in this instance.

I think that you could do the same. Make up a short list and pick the one that you like the best from it. (I picked the Arluk because of its bow design!!) Build the boat and learn to paddle it and build your skills to fit the boat. If in a few years you decide you want some different characteristics you can build another with the properties you want. But until you learn to paddle the differences between boats are hard to distinguish.

All the boats mentioned on this threads are good boats so no matter which one you pick you will be very happy with it. From what I hear this may be the first boat you build but it won't be your last!

Good Luck, Ian