Thats a good question! I think most people, having our fair share of pride and conciet, are unwilling to belittle ourselfs too much. I have read reports on some boats that were not what the owner expected. I also recall some folks who's feet were bigger than the designer thought. Have you looked at the SoCal builders site? I think there is a link from Nicks page. I'd suggest narrowing the choice to two or three designs and asking specifically about them. Perhaps you'll get more of what you are looking for. Also, knowing where and how you want to use it (and it sounds like you do) helps a lot. If it gets too tough between two designs, flip a coin and build. You can always do them both...

> I made up my mind to get a wooden kayak, all that's left for ne to do is
> choose one. I went over some reports in few websites, but all I found are
> people that describe how wonderful is the kayak they built. is there
> anybody that is willing to say: "I built this kayak, it took me 40
> hours more than the manufacturer estimation, I tested it, it does what
> it's supposed to do but it's not as manuverable/beautiful/fast as I
> thought it would be" or anyhting similar ?...

> i'm looking for a s&g kayak that will be able to carry 2 weeks of supply
> (when I get that many days off from work, but we all know that I never
> will) & also be light enough for a weekend paddle. so any reports on
> such kayaks will immediately get my sincere appretiation.

> I'm 152 lb & 6ft 1in & a good size cocpit is a must for my long
> legs. beam width 21-23in .

> thx

> erez segev