: Greetings!

: Just finished a CHLT17 for myself and am considering different designs for my
: wife. I want a boat that is just a bit more challenging to build. Are
: there any designs anyone can think of? Should I just try building the same
: one from plans for somemore challenge? How about a Merganser with a strip
: deck?

Not to be insensitive, but are you and your wife the same size? If not, she would probably be better off in a different boat. If the 17LT fits you well, it may not fit her. The boats handle best for a paddler in a certain weight range - and you and your wife may not be in the same range. If she is smaller than you, she would likely be more comfortable in a shorter boat.

Or let her try your 17LT and see how she likes it. If she likes it, build another one. If she finds it too big, look at a smaller design - like the 16 LT or Merganser 16.

By the way, there is no reason you can't build a 17LT with a strip deck - you just can't get it as a kit. Build the hull (after sending CLC the "licensing fee" for building another boat) with the sheer clamp as you did with the first one, make some temporary deck forms, and start stripping. After you strip the deck, remove it, glass it inside and out, and epoxy it to the sheer clamps. For the deck forms, you can use your finished boat as a guide, and adjust it for more or less foot room to better fit your wife.

Good Luck,

Ken Finger