I'm 6'-6"/185 lbs. I built the Chesapeake 17, and I could probably handle the 16. I don't camp in it that much, so most of the time, it's just a bit too much boat. The LT 17 is an option I'd have considered, but they brought it out about a year after I built my boat.

There's a young girl in my town who built two Chesapeake 18's with her father. She and her mom came into the local boat shop while I was there to buy paddles. I visited with them a bit about boats, and she was so excited that I didn't have the heart to tell her she was in a way-too-big boat. That 100lb girl is going to have some interesting trips unless she brings two big block Chevy engines to place fore and aft to trim out her boat.

Shawn

Shawn

: I echo the sentiment about wishing about building the 17 vs. the 18 that I
: built. And I'm a slightly smaller build than you too.

: pete czerpak albany, NY