> According to specs, you are on the borderline of needing a 18 vs. a 17.
> Talking to CLC can clear this up.

> The first thing I built was a stripper canoe. The difference is time for
> you. A stripper will probably not get you to your planned trip on time
> unless you will be spending a LOT of time building.

> Go to this link and you may not feel the need any longer for a rudder:
> http://www.paddles.com/library/straight.html Other questions you need to
> ask yourself: - Do you want to build from plans ($250 - $500) or a kit
> ($800 - $1100) -roughly - If you are going with plans do you have a source
> for materials? - Do you have the tools required? - Do you have the time
> required? - Do you have the facility required? - Do you have an extra set
> of hands? (not essential but VERY helpful at times) - Where will you get
> your instructions? (other than this board, which is excellent)

Well I think you need to find a kayak to fit your paddling needs between what i have read and looking at the different kits the pygam`s kits seem good and for the looks nick`s strip built look great as far as your gear I do alot of camping for my boats and find that there are different types of dry bags to strap on the deck they work great!