Hi Nate, Well you asked THE question which comes up on a regular basis, glad that it has been reiterated for some of our newer readers/future builders. It is the FORD vs CHEVY question, WEST COAST vs EAST COAST? I live in the Mid-west so I was impartial on location and decided before I got internet access. I built a COHO last year with hatches, price about 900 dollars +. Ample room in the cockpit for a guy your built and with the bulkhead directly behind the seat, it will strong enough to hold your weight. I am pleased with my 'boat' and tested it in the ocean last summer. It paddles with minimum effort..Wayne G.
: I have decided that I want to build a kayak. However, there is quite a
: selection out there. I am 6' 240lb, and intend on doing alot of ches. bay
: paddling. I have sat in my friends Perception Eclipse which is 22"
: wide with a cockpit of 18" and found it to be comfortable.

: So taking into consideration that I will need to keep up with his 17' boat,
: what recommendations do you folks have for me? I would like to keep the
: kit cost under $800. And I do know that CLC boats come standard with
: hatches, which I will need.

: Oh yeah one other thing, how are these wood/glass boats when it comes to
: rentry from the water. Is that rear deck really strong enough for me to be
: climbing all over it?

: Many thanks from an aspiring yaker.