> 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?

After it has been stretched to 18', it should track better. Pete Rudie put a small rub strip/skeg on his, and says it tracks much better now. I imagine if you do this to your 18 footer it should start to behave more like the Expedition and Night Heron.

Mike