I have the Chesapeake 17. It's the same hull design AFAIK as the Ches. LT 17. I love paddling it on both flat water and waves up to 4' tall. It tracks like a train and does leaned turns well. I have never paddled the west river, so I can't say anything for/against it.

Shawn

> Hoping to build a kayak later this winter and trying to decide on whether
> to go with CLCs Chesapeake Lt 17 or their West River 164. Any thoughts or
> comments or comments from builders or users of either of these boats,
> likes, dislikes, conditions used in, etc. would be appreciated. Would also
> be interested in other similar stitch/glue type designs, any
> recommendations on other designs?