: Rub-a-dub-dub three men in a tub . . .

: Marc,

: The prime factor in determining the length of a double is how closely you can
: pack the paddlers.

: You need adequate leg room for the front paddler. That gives you a minimum
: distance to the bow of the boat from the front cockpit.

: If the boat is very wide the rear paddlers feet can come along side the front
: paddler. This is not particularly comfortable, but you'll occasionally see
: it with a parent and small child paddling in a single which has a large
: cockpit. With two adults you would probably want to allow decent legroom
: between the two paddlers.

: Legroom, though, onle sets a bare minimum. Depending on paddling style you
: may need to increase he distance between paddlers so their paddles do not
: hit each other. If you like using a long skinny paddle, then you should be
: further from your partner, or else be very good at paddling in
: synchronization.

: From this geometry you can define the center of the boat. You add a nose and
: a tail to give you the bouyancy and speed characteristics you want. A
: short wide nose for maneuverability or a long, pointed nose for a sharp
: entry angle for greater speed. The tail would be shaped for streamlining,
: bouyancy, and control. A tail that looks like a rudder will act like one,
: and give you a boat that tracks nicely. A stubby tail will make the back
: of the boat look like a bathtub, (or a rubber liferaft) but you'll be able
: to turn easily.

: Depending on the weight of the paddlers the width might need to be increased
: to give added capacity, or the side height might need to be increased, but
: these would be minor tweeks. For most doubles the capacity (or
: displacement) is already great enough to stay afloat with two paddlers --
: and then some.

: The length you decide to make your boat is fairly flexible, but I hope some
: of these thoughts help you decide what you will be doing.

: Do you have a limit on a size for storage or transit? Is there a weight
: concern?
: I ask because I am wondering why are you thinking of shortening an existing
: design. I know there must be some reason, and perhaps if we knew that we
: could be more specific in answering your question.

: PGJ paul all the above, size ,storage, my building space is 20ft by 8ft so that is why.