: I want to build a strip-built boat that tracks really well. Most often from
: my reading, this seems to be a strength of the stitch & glue boats. I
: see that Redfish claims to have strong tracking boats. Any suggestions?
: Thanks in advance.

A friend built a Rob Macks (Laughing Loon) Panache from Western Red Cedar strips. It is a very hard tracking kayak - one of the hardest tracking kayaks I've ever paddled. Another friend has a Redfish, but this has only moderate tracking with a high degree of manouverability.

Another two friends have the Pygmy Coho. This is a stitch and glue, a little shorter than the Panache, tracks quite strongly but does and edged turn really well - good compromise.

Do you really want overwhelming tracking? The Panache overdoes it, to my way of thinking, but it may be that it will suit you. Try a few wooden boats on the water. That will be the best way to get enough info to make a decision. It's all very personal.

Andrew