I don't know about the others, but I have a Chesapeake 16 and have no reservations about reccomending it. BTW, I have seen a Chesapeake with a modified strip deck, which may be doable for you given your woodworking ability and fondness of the strip look. Anyhow, the Chesapeake series has lots of freeboard and in my view is pretty roomy which would be a plus for you. Also, I find it easy to roll. It is also quite seaworthy and if you plan to get out in the great lakes, that would be a plus. Good luck.

> I am in the throes of indecision here! I'm getting ready to build my first
> kayak, and choosing which one is getting silly. hmmm s&g are easy and
> cheaper, stippers are gorgeous, on the other hand, it's your first, etc.
> etc....arggg!!

> I have decided to base my choice mostly on what will suit my needs as a
> beginner, (had some training in plastic boats, years ago), in the paddling
> end of things. But I want to build a beautiful craft too. My wookworking
> skills are pretty good, and I have built many large complex projects, (3
> aircraft and a car among them), so the choice between stripper or s&g is
> not important. I'm large, 6' 240lb and inexperienced. At my age of 50+ I
> may never master a roll, though that will be the first order of business
> once I get wet. My paddling will be on fairly quiet rivers, the Great
> Lakes, and large ponds, but it's unlikely that I'll get to the sea with
> it. I live in SW Ontario. I'm not that interested in long trips. I guess I
> want a beautiful, easy to paddle, relatively inexpensive, all round kayak.
> My short list so far: Georgian Bay Panache Chesapeake 17 Guillemot S&G
> Epedition Are there others that should be on this list? Are any of these
> boats inappropriate for my needs? Your input would really be appreciated.