Chris,

I build a cedar stripped deck, 1/4" lauan hull version of the Mill Creek 16.5. My weight ended up being quite a bit heavier(about 90 lbs) then what CLC speced and thats probably becaused I used the cheap plywood and stripped the deck and probably put the epoxy on thick. If I did it over, would probably buy the more exspensive, but lighter marine plywood. I mostly paddle mine by myself mostly on the Missippi River. It's a little tight for paddling with two people, really have to cordinate paddling. I really like the boat however. I did not put a rudder on it and have not had any problems paddling it with out the rudder. Let me know if their is anything else I can tell you about it.