Hi Harry,

Good advice from the other responders. I built a Coho and could not be happier with it. I was fortunate to have been able to paddle one before I ordered mine, so i was sure of what I was getting (If you are ever anywhere near Rochester, NY, let me know - I can return the favor I got and get you on the water in my boat for a spin).

I am the same size as you, my wife is considerably smaller (5'6", 140#) and she prefers the Coho to anything we have rented for her to try. I wanted something I could cram lots of goodies in and the Coho fits that bill as well. I use it for week long trips as well as general day paddling.

I have seen the new Tern Hi and will probably seriously consider it as the 'next' boat. While it might be more prone to wind, having room for hiking boots instead of neoprene footwear would be a real advantage to me.

I believe that a lot of the people on this board are 'sea' kayakers rather than inland lake, river and stream kayakers and that has something to do with their choices. I have had the Coho on Lake Ontario, a number of large lakes in the Adirondack Mountains and lots of smaller rivers and streams around here.

What I have found with the Coho is that empty it is more susceptable to wind, but when it has a load that problem goes away. A 3-4 day GL trip would include some cargo/gear and perhaps make that a non issue. The tern should be a bit more 'responsive', the Hi will have a greater cargo capacity and allow for the 'foot size factor'

Having been a canoe camper for 25 years, packing a kayak was a bit more of a challange. The Tern Hi's capacity is a bit more than the Coho, which for me is a draw.

No matter which you decide on I will tell you that the kit I got was marvelously made, the help from Pygmy was great. I would advise that you buy 4 or 6 graduated 60cc syringes from a medical supply house for measuring epoxy. That was probably the single most helpful thing I discovered that was not in the manual or mentioned by anyone else. One other thing: the grab loop hole in the bow if done the way I did it can be used for locking the boat to a secure object. I used a gizmo from West Marine (have pix if you are interested). I also managed to get the beast insured and can give you some help there if you want. Doing the kit was almost always fun, sometimes a bit intimidating, and ultimately very satisfying. Good luck