> I would like
> customers opinions on whitch S&G kayak is the fastest yet still can turn
> when edged or leaned without a skeg or rudder system and also not be
> completly made for flat water conditions. I would really like to build a
> first kayak of wood and have it meet all my expectations.
> Mike you've found a great resource here. getting opinions can be fun. Knowing the paddling and/or building experience of the person giving the opinion helps a lot. The Osprey HP, and CLC 180 can be paddled very fast,but they don't turn easily. The Coho is a great combination of payload capacity,low wetted area for cuising speed, but not racing. The CLC Patuxents can be fast, (contrary to Mike S. I found my Patuxent 17 to turn quite easily,it wasn't ideal for rough water, I don't know about the 19 but I think it would be a excellent candidate for fast paddling in winds with a skeg(low freeboard,skeg to balance), I just built a North Bay and like it a lot (I'm 5'9",180) but it would be too small for you, a skeg would still be a good idea.

Your expectations may not be very realistic though, Most long,skinny fast boats have rudders (small ones adequate for the purpose), racers must have reasons for having them. I don't know about all those gorgeous strip boat designs, but if you are looking for a design that satisfies long waterline/low wetted area/possible rough water handling/no rudder then there is probably a better shape that can be achieved than with 4 panels. All that said, the North Bay XL sounds like the ticket.

Not to belabor the obvious,but I asked an instructor giving a stroke clinic,what could make a bigger difference using a wing paddle or improving technique, he said most people need to improve their technique. I get the sense that finding a "fast boat" is like finding fast tennis shoes, as long as your paddling a long skinny boat-it's only as fast as you paddle.