> More thoughts James, don't rule out shorter boats (assuming they have enough volume) as they will be easier to move around, a pygmy standard or ospry standard just might fit you as a day tripping boat (you,boat,and lunch), if you are at all top heavy or have dificulty sitting with legs forward(now is the time to find that out) then definately get a wide boat. Have you considered larger cockpit kayaks like CLC Mill Creeks?, they aren't like a close fitting closed deck boat but can be paddled in the conditions you describe, just not breaking waves and surf. One can fit them out well with thigh braces and a close fitting seat. I have a mill creek as well as a 20" wide kayak and find them both worthwhile paddling. It's easy to dazzle people with a pretty exterior, but just think of all the interior appointments that are visible with one of those larger cockpit boats, teak vhf radio holster? tiedowns for integral baitbox/cooler/hibachi? just kidding. I figured since you have more woodworking experience than the average kit builder you could go crazy with all that real estate in a big cockpit boat. The only real advice I could give is paddle a few different kinds of kayaks of similar dimensions to the ones you are thinking of building, there's no reason to make a beautiful boat that inhibits or challenges your desire to be on the water.