I am thinking about my next boat, and thought it wise to cast around for ideas on what it ought to be. I currently own a CLC Mill Creek 13, and love it. I use it mostly for exploring backwaters, and for fishing and birding. I am 5'7", 165 lbs., in excellent health and fairly athletic.

The new boat needs to do a few things the MC doesn't do well. It needs to handle open water better, and it needs to be really fast. But it also needs to do something the MC DOES do well, namely, exhibit hands-off stability. To be precise, I want a true sea kayak in which I can learn true sea kayaking skills; but also still be a decent fishing/birding platform. I understand that I am asking for something of a compromise, and am prepared for it. At any rate, my new boat doesn't need to roll for a living, or race for a living, but rather, to support my pursuits for a living.

The CLC Chessy 17LT seems to be as good as anything so far, with its 24-inch beam. I like the looks of the Pygmy AT 17, but the evil Pyg-people don't sell plans. Phooey. At any rate, I tend to think S&G since that's what I have done previously.

I have finally ordered my copies of Morris and Cunningham so I may commence my education regarding the SOF boat in earnest. Wonder what possiblities are in them? You'd think that if an Inuit can haul ass out to the hunting grounds and come back with a walrus, I could fish out of one and get home in one piece. I like the idea of SOF because I believe them to be relatively cheap, and relatively light weight.

I cannot do a stripper at this time, since I can't devote shop space to the endeavor for the duration. Whatever project I launch must be mobile, so I can shove it aside and make a living whenever I get hungry.

I invite all advice, comments and suggestions. Thanks for listening!

Kurt Maurer