> Mike, Thanks for the advice. I was hoping to hear from you as I had read
> some of your posts and will undoubtedly have more questions. What I've
> read so far doesn't indicate a capacity. Have any idea? I'd like to build
> a fairly large cockpit so I can take my three-year-old with me. By next
> summer (anticipated completion date) he'll be for and I'd guess about 45
> lbs. making our combined weight about 230. Thanks agaiin. Tom

Several years ago I built a Putz Walrus (18') and I found that the footroom was only adequate if in bare feet and inadequate with running shoes on, my shoe size is 11. I also opted to have a large radius for the deck curvature (creates a shallow boat for less windage) and regret doing so. It is very tight getting in. I'm in my mid 50's and going in straight legged isn't my favorite way of getting in. I haven't used it much as the are to many other things to do. I also erred in my canvas choice, I suspect I got 10 oz canvas instead of #10. I wasn't connected to the internet at the time so this BBS wasn't available for advice thus I think I didn't tighten the skin enough. The painted surface eggshell fractures very easily (thin canvas, not tight enough or wrong paint? Don't know). It's an easy boat to paddle, goes staight well but have never tried turning it by dropping a chine. It's a reasonbly easy boat to build, it isn't very heavy and it shouldn't cost more than $150.00 for materials. Hard to go wrong for a first kayak.

Happy building

Bram