> Go with the longer length, and, if she is lighter than average, consider
> going with a narrower boat. Maybe an inch or so narrower.

> Here is my reasoning: If you add length, the boat will have a greater
> flotation, sit higher in the water, tracking may suffer and it may be more
> prone to being blown around in a breeze. This is more noticeable with a
> light paddler. BUT, if you make the boat narrower you lose a bit of that
> flotation, the boat rides lower, and being narrower it tracks better, too.

> The combination of narrower and longer hull should give a higher
> theoretical hull speed, as well as less drag, so a smaller paddler (who
> one would assume is less muscular) will have an easier time paddling and
> keeping up with the more muscular paddlers. If speed is not a concern,
> then the narrower boat should be a bit easier to paddle, as well (less
> drag)

> Just a few thoughts.

> Paul G. Jacobson

Hi Paul

here is a stabilty kurve of one of my kayaks. The red kurve is with 120kg bouyance and the green kurve is with 130kg bouyance but with the same center of gravity. As you can see the red kayak is a bit more stable and you can use this extra stability to make a narrower boat. Or just enjoy the extra stability. The blue kurve is a boatbuildingfriends kayak more of a touring kayak.

But a long hull also has more wetted surface. My newest project is a 15'8" kayak and this kayak is more easily driven at speeds from 0-5 knots than my race kayaks. Due to less wetted surface. So for a light paddler 50-70kg+ stuff I think a 16' kayak will do fine

But of course there is always the " Hey Dude thats a migthy long boat must a god one?? huh"

Hans