Bill,

In my very newbie opinion the only way to find the BEST is:

1. Define and refine your requirements including your expected usage, woodworking/boatbuilding ability and expertise, and your own physical characteristics.

2. Search the market place (probably the reason for this message) for designs that meet and come close to what you are looking for.

3. Try out every design you can, for as long as you can. Because you have decided to build a boat (which takes longer than you think) an extra month of searching won't make much difference in the building time and might save you from picking the wrong boat.

4. Make a decision and don't look back. Remember this stuff is FUN!

Happy Boatbuilding,

John, Chesapeake 18 by CLC

P.S. I forgot the most important part - ask permission from the wife FIRST!