Ive read a lil about the King. I emailed Joe and he sent me a construction pic. After I wiped the drool I began reading his message, it said "It is designed for the intermediate/ advanced paddler but a beginner will find it's stability very reasonable and should have no trouble handling it."

I am kinda a beginner. I have owned a plastic yak for a couple of years, but there is not many places I would take a wooden boat. Lots of very shallow rivers. But if I have a bigger boat I would try out the Delaware river, with the Oil tankers and ships. So In reality, I really don't NEED an ocean kayak, but I am also a beginner woodworker, and would love to have this notch in my belt!

So I guess it boils down to this, Spring Run, King, or Guillemot. The SR is the shortest, prolly the best choice for me. Any suggestions/comments?

Oh and I am going to use any method the designer recommends for a strongback.
Thanks for the comments so far!

: I am building Joe's Silver...my first project...just started. I agree, Nick's
: book is fantastic...gets better every time I read it. Joe's directions
: accompanied by many pics are great....and he has been very responsive to
: my questions.To make things even more comlicated for you...you might want
: to consider Joe's new design (arriving in January)....the King. From what
: I have read on this board....it both tracks and responds well.
: Enjoy...
: Bob