: I came across info about an extremely light(23 pounds) stitch-and-glue
: plywood design, called the "Cockleshell". It's just shy of 12
: feet long, with a 29 inch beam...looks like a nice "quiet water
: boat". Has anyone built this boat, and can you comment on its
: handling characteristics? I'm considering building one, but have some
: reservations because it is FLAT bottomed, sort of like a "pirogue
: with a deck" design.

Never heard of the cockleshell.....23# is definitely light for a small kayak. You might be happier with a different design, in the long run...........check out the Birder from www.bandbyachtdesigns.com or..... The Sunset Single from www.by-the-sea.com/stillwaterboats/ These are both nice designs and quite good looking......not quite as light, but of better design,from the sound of things. good luck, garland