: I'm looking to build two wood kayaks and having a devil of a time making up
: my mind. I've built a Pygmy by kit and a B&B Diva by plans so I have a
: clue but fearful of strip building. Hers will be first so I won't muddy
: the water with my specs.

: 5'6"/130# size 7 shoe - she currently has a Cape Horn Pro Fiberglass but
: wants lower volume to learn rolling and skills. She is a new paddler, less
: than six months but catching on fast, learning with a Lumpy GP and with
: several skilled friends. I need something that will track without a rudder
: or skeg but not like it's on rails, I want her to be able to turn without
: a fight and not have to fight to go straight(I want the world, I know)

: I've considered: Petrel - CLC
: Cirris LV - One Ocean Kayaks
: Disko Bay - Laughing Loon
: The Silver - Redfish

: I think I can build it by plans but wonder about availability of materials in
: NC. I can scarf to get my lengths if needed.

: If I go plans, about how much should I expect to pay in materials? Strips
: have to be expensive to ship and I have a router.

: Thanks,
: Dan

This was my last year's project. Opted for the Nick's Guillemot. Built mine to full size (as per his book's specs) and the wife's (whose roughly the same size as yours) scaled down to 93% (in all aspects) of full size. Fits her perfect, and she seems to enjoy very much. Stable as it gets. Chose to add retractable skegs after spending some time on water. If it's windy, or you've got some long straight miles to cross, the skeg simply makes life much more enjoyable. If you want (or need) to turn on a dime, slide it up and you're good to go. That versatility sure is nice.

Don't fear the stripper. Borrow, rent or buy a table saw and rip your own strips. Tedious, but painless.

Good luck,
Todd