: There are a lot of boat designs out there. Many are free, and many more are
: cheap, being included in books and magazines.

: Your search would be a lot faster if you concentrated on finding a boat type
: you want. You didn't say if you were looking for canoe or kayak; wood,
: plastic, or fabric; or something else (rowing shell, dory, pirogue,
: catamaran, etc.)

: What kind of use are you looking for: fishing, running rapids, ocean/open
: water or river, wave surfing, etc.

: Is the boat for you or someone else? About how big are you, or the intended
: paddler? If we knew height, weight and shoe size we might be able to focus
: on a few designs you could explore.

: Please get back with more info.

: PGj
Sorry Paul, I thought my reference to "Nick and Doug" (Nick Shades S & G, Doug Garmons kayaks) would be enough indicator that I am looking at kayak designs.
I am just browsing around, looking at various lines and designs, for a kayak to build. I own a nice poly link (loon 138) which I just bought this year. My wife wants it (it's very stable)and I want to move up to a sea kayak. Building the thing is part of the experience huh?
Statistics: I'm 6 ft. tall, 210 pounds, size 11 shoe. I'm going to build a boat to have a low profile that will still accept the waves and give me foot room. It's always windy here in Michigan (I'm not from here, my job planted me here). I want a boat that will behave well in the wind and a moderately swept bow that will take on a wave. I hope to find or modify designs for something 22-24 inches wide and 17 or 18 feet long.
I am a Navy vet, experienced in navigating all sea conditions (I was a quartermaster, which is navigation in the Navy as opposed to supply in the Army)and a builder of a small sharpie and a "6 hour" canoe. I am comfortable with plywood designs so that is what I am looking for.
Thanks to Nick and all of you contributors. This is a great site with excellent advice from some obviously very experienced kayak builders.
I hope this answers your questions Paul. I really appreciate the offer.