I recommend Putz's book also, I just finished the 18.5 foot double, it has a cathedral shaped cockpit, took it out on our river here and it was so great, this thing floats wonderfully, with a 24" beam and actually coming in at 17'11" I am very pleased, the cost was less than $150 due to some luck and it is a beauty. I have to tell everyone who reads this, do not underestimate the strength of a wood and canvas boat, I weigh 300 pounds and I could put another person in this boat easily.