> . . . but I thought anything less than 13' would be
> too small for practical touring. They would like to
> repeat a trip they did last year in canoes in Algonquin
> Park. (and if I'm good, they may take the old man along
> too. They just aren't sure I can keep up with them. :-} )

Small boats and big waves make for very interesting travel conditions! The last long trip I made I was in a 14 1/2 foot canoe, and boy did I yearn for a bigger boat. Despite daily changes in crew, the order of progession of the 3 canoes and 1 kayak was almost always the same. The longest boat got across first, followed by a 17 foot kayak, a 16 foot canoe, and then my boat. It is not scientific proof, but as far as I am concerned this shows me that longer boats go faster. (That's why I working on a kayak now.)

So build them a 13 footer, and build yourself an 18 footer. Make sure you divide the gear evenly, too, so they sink lower in the water than usual. Then they`ll be the ones trying to keep up with their old man :)

> They are 18 and 19 years old, they're not going to grow much.

So, you don't expect a little sibling rivalry over who gets the faster boat? My congratulations to you on raising some exemplary, but atypical teenagers. (I must not be that good of a father. For my family I would HAVE to make identical boats in order to avoid bickering over who got to use the better one)

Even if both boats are dogs, I think it would be better to make them identical -- either both at 13 feet, or at 14 feet, or even longer. 12 year old Boy Scouts regularly handle 16 foot boats. A two wheel dolly is a great accessory.

At some time either of those daughters may want to invite a guest. It would not be right to offer the guest the inferior boat.

On second thought, perhaps you should consider building doubles. Both daughters may have guests at the same time.

> I can probably talk them into a 14' boat, and after they've paddled it, they may decide it's OK.

OK? Just OK? Now they sound like typical teens. I can guarantee they will love the boats that poppa built JUST FOR THEM. Build them well and eventually these things will become (useful) family heirlooms.

> They both have more kayak experience than I, and I believe
> they both know how to roll a kayak, which they can teach me if they
> do.

This I gotta see. Can you post a video? Send pictures :)

Best of luck with your projects.

Paul Jacobson