Thanks everyone! All this input is great. I am pretty much set on building a short boat, despite it's inadequacies...due to the fact I have no where to keep a long boat. Plus, I think I will be doing a lot of paddling in the rivers here in MT and would like the ability to surf some little waves and negociate small rapids. I also will take it to some lakes....but more just to putt around with a friend who owns a small rec. kayak. I guess either way I won't have to 'ideal' design for any one use, but I'd like to have a good all around design.

Kent, thanks for the links. I think I had actually been to your blog before...somehow must have run across a link on here or in a search. I think that's where I first got the idea for a retrieval. Thanks for sharing. Is yours your own design? I am thinking that maybe I could build one with a little less rocker. Why would you add more volume? Also, I am fairly light (130lbs)...is that something to take into account?