> Go with the longer length, and, if she is lighter than average, consider
> going with a narrower boat. Maybe an inch or so narrower.

> Here is my reasoning: If you add length, the boat will have a greater
> flotation, sit higher in the water, tracking may suffer and it may be more
> prone to being blown around in a breeze. This is more noticeable with a
> light paddler. BUT, if you make the boat narrower you lose a bit of that
> flotation, the boat rides lower, and being narrower it tracks better, too.

> The combination of narrower and longer hull should give a higher
> theoretical hull speed, as well as less drag, so a smaller paddler (who
> one would assume is less muscular) will have an easier time paddling and
> keeping up with the more muscular paddlers. If speed is not a concern,
> then the narrower boat should be a bit easier to paddle, as well (less
> drag)

> Just a few thoughts.

> Paul G. Jacobson

paul:

Thanks for the comments. The 16.6 is already 21" wide and the 17 is 22" wide at maximum width. don't think I want to narrow these up much more. if they were 24" or so I would strongly consider it though.

One of the reasons she is thinking the 17 is so that I can jam my 6-2,200 lb frame into it to paddle once it a while and to see if I want to build a greenland style next or a stripper next. might do the greenland no matter what and just say that its for my father.

more discussion??

Pete czerpak albany, NY