Hi Mike,

Kayaks of this length are not often that narrow, so that is one issue. If you have a large amount of deadrise (v-bottom) it will tend to feel more tippy at rest but possibly better in rough water. If you are tall that will make things harder. The photo could be misleading but it looks like there is very little rocker. Rocker puts the paddler lower in the water and improves stability. Zero rocker can make for a very tippy boat. So...what to do? Putting weight in the bottom (that won't shift around) might help lower the overall center of gravity, but only marginally. I suspect with the stated dimensions and paddler weight the boat is already well sunk into the water. Definitely get your rear right down on the bottom of the hull. This can help a lot. Having your knees hooked into good thigh braces can also help control what the boat is doing. If you are loose in the boat then control is compromised. And paddle. Getting up to speed will firm things up a little. Hopefully more time in the seat will improve things. Otherwise, I'm afraid more shop time might be in your future.

Ted

: I need some input, thoughts, suggestions!!! I built a stitch and glue kayak
: based on the "Aston" as found in the Hulls program. Basic
: parameters are 15' 6" by 21-1/2" and roughly 11-1/2" tall.
: Got in, took a short paddle, wobbled back and forth and rolled. I am not a
: super experienced kayaker but I do own some plastics and have canoed
: hundreds and hundreds of miles, meaning I do have some abilities. This
: thing is down right tippy. First thought is, even though I weigh about
: 190lb. this thing is riding way up on top of the water and I need some
: more weight. I just jumped in blind as far as building this thing, but now
: I have some time in it and would like to salvage it. I will try to upload
: a picture if that would help. Thanks, Mike