: Hi.I am considering building the Chesapeake lt17 from a kit.
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: How good a rough water boat is it?

The relatively flat-bottom (shallow V actually) and super-strong tracking of the CLC 17LT make it less than ideal for rough water. I like my 17LT, but use it mostly on calm water.

A boat with the same dimensions but a more rounded bottom would seat the paddler lower in the water, thus increasing stability. A rounded bottom with a little more rocker would also tend to bounce the paddler around less in waves, and dig into waves a little less.

Ironically, lower initial stability will be more secure. This is one reason why flat-bottomed canoes are seen on flat water but rounded hulls are usually preferred on rougher water.

John