I've read and re-read Nick's book and decided to build the Guilimont 17, but in a version streched to 18'. I've done the lofting and also set up the forms and was laying up the first shear strip when it broke. Got irritated with myself and have left it sit for a week. I've since read about the expedition and Night Heron in one of the strings above. Manouverability is not what I want in a Sea Kayak, a river boat-yes, not a Sea Kayak. In this interlude I've also found a kayak design program offered free on Mariner Kayaks page. At this point I'm trying to decide whether to continue or tear it all down and start all over. Any thoughts?