I build a strip OI a few years ago and I find it a lovely boat to paddle, straight tracking, relativly fast, relatively stable and easy to turn.

It does however have a problem leecocking.

I used paddle with friend who had a plastic fantastic boat of similar dimensions. Mine was considerably lighter, faster and much better looking.

One day we went out in almost gale force winds and I had no trouble heading out directly into the wind and chop. My OI cut through effortlessly. My friend however, found it hard going.

On the return leg my friend turned and sailed home at a rate of knotts, whilst my stern made relentless efforts to overtake the bow. I struggled all the way home against an invisible force that was trying to send my boat broadside and send me for a swim. It took longer for me to come home with the wind than it did paddling against the wind.

The OI was built to carry a few days camping gear and still accomodate a full sized male. As someone mentioned 2/3 of your gear to the bowt 1/3 to the rear.

Send it out on a windy day with no weight and the wind can have a signigicant cocking effect.

There is no such thing as the perfect boat. Different paddlers, different weather conditions, different reasons for padding results in lots of different boats.

Cheers
Tim