> 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.

That would be a beautiful addition to a Chesapeake.

>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 too find the Chesapeake a very seaworthy kayak. I'd have to argue with you on it's ease of rolling. I don't think it's nearly as easy to roll as a Guillemot, or a lot of production kayaks. Those hard chines and the hard sheer move a lot of water when you're rolling, and the (relatively) wide beam makes it "too stable" when it's upside down. It's also designed with a pretty tall coaming, which makes layback rolls difficult.

Shawn