When I was pondering what type of boat to get, I spent a lot of time researching via e-mail with paddlers, companies and other "experts" of all sorts. Some of the best info I got was from the folks at CLC themselves. They were very patient with my "Beginners questions" and were always very prompt, getting back to me in an hour or two during a business day. Talk to them, give them the vital stats and I am sure they would be happy to share their thoughts with you. FYI, I got the Chesapeake 17 and hope to begin soon. My basement is ready and certainly as clean as it has ever been. Good luck.