I had originally planned to build a S&G from plans due to money situations and the fact that I could start with very little investment but now have the funds to be able to afford a complete kit. I had narrowed my choice down to a Shearwater Merganzer 17W (I'm a big guy, 225#, 5'11") and was going to add a skeg but since I can afford a complete kit I have been rethinking my options.

I have considered the Redfish Spring run or one of the Gillimot designs but have just started research on strip built so all that I know about S&G kind of gets tossed out the window. Would I be able to get a potentially better boat by building a strip or is there not much difference other than looks?

I realize that with a strip built boat the designs are more multi-chined and have a little knowledge on this but just enough to confuse me. I tried doing a search but couldn't find any comparisons so I'm hoping I can get a few oppinions from people whow have built and paddled both.

Thanks