Alice,

I agree with everyone else. Definitely go with the Tern 14. I think you'll
have a blast in it on the coast. It's just the right size and I felt like my legs had plenty of room - I'm about your size.

I recently met up with a local couple who had build a Tern 14 and either an Osprey or a Coho, can't remember which now. They graciously let me paddle them both. I was initially inclined toward the multi-chine because I liked the look better, but two minutes in the Tern convinced me that hard chine is the way to go.

I'm still debating a little in my head as to which boat I'm going to build, but right now I'm leaning heavily toward the Shearwater Merganser 16. I like that it's a little longer and narrower and maybe sits lower in the water than the Tern 14, but seems to have similar characteristics otherwise. It might require little more advanced paddling skills, though. Not sure about that. You might want to look at it: http://www.shearwater-boats.com/merg1.html

Patsy
North Carolina