> For those who have paddled the Chesapeake, what is the difference
> between the Chesapeake and the Ches LT?

Dave, \I recently finished (from a kit) & launched a CLC 18LT. I'm 6'2" 195-200 lbs with size 11 1/2 feet. I went to the CLC shop in Annapolis & did a "test-sit" in all of their models. the Chesapeakes, from the 16 on up were extremely roomy & felt XL to me. The LT's are the same hull design but the side panels of the hull are 1" or so narower - hence the lower freeboard & lower volumn. I started paddleing whitewater - so anything that dosen't fit like an undersized sock feels spacious to me. However I thought that the LT's had plenty of cockpit room. The cockpit is very long & there's plenty of foot room (sitting with my feet splayed out somewhat). In terms of volumn most of my paddling is day trips with a few 1 or 2 overnighters and hopefully an annual one week overnighter. The LT will give me all the gear room I'll need for that. The Ches. with its highter volumn will haul all that + much more - enough for an extended expedition. Also I think that the lower profile on the LT will be less prone to wind action than the full size Ches. Good Luck, Rich