Hey All
I am new to this world of Kayaking but far from new at building watercraft. I have several powerboat and sailboats and even one conoe to my credit. I am very much intersested in the strip built method and have even started the task I hate so much....Lofting. I'm pulling the offsets out of Nick's book. Great book by that way. Ilove it. And thanks for the great website that makes things alittle
easier. Anyway I'm halfway through lofting and in doing some other reading I'm thinking of going to the Expidition instead of the Guillemot I've started on. My question is that I plan to do extended trips along the Missouri, James and Sioux Rivers in South Dakota as well as a trip to Yellowstone next fall (more on that in a bit). Can I get buy with the Guillemot with the weight of gear along with my 220 pounds for long trips or would I be better off with the longer bigger Expidition? I will also use it to run to the local lake for R&R when I find a couple of hours. Any ideas, comments or advice in choosing the right boat?

Next. I want to find a good design to build for the kids. I want to find a boat that they will find easy to paddle but will carry some gear as they will accompany me on some trips. I've seen a couple of designs for kids but they look more like toys. I want a good efficient boat. I have 15 year old that weighs less than 100 pound and a 10 year old weighs all of about 50 pounds. I realize that they will grow so will want something that can use for a couple of years before building another. Any ideas?

Lastly. I've seen some thoughts on a rondevous in the intermountain region. I have plans to vist Yellowstone the first or second week of September of next year and do some paddling and camping along the lake. It would be so cool to spend that time in the company of other water rats. Does that sound good to anyone?

Thanks for any ideas and hope to see you on the water. Thanks Nick for a great book.

Danno