Matt,

I checked it out on Nick's site and I think I like it.

I also like to paddle open water. I found I like it as a form of exercise. The need for speed comes from the fact I’m starting to have a hard time keeping up with my 15 year old son. I need an advantage. I’ll do a little more looking and let you know what my final decision is.

Thanks again,

Dwight

: Dwight,

: There are obviously a lot of things that can effect the efficiency of a boat
: while it is being paddled over the surface of the water so begin by taking
: everything anyone else says with a grain of salt.

: That said, when looking to build a strip-built I had two performance
: considerations speed and tracking. Let me explain my need, if it sounds
: familiar look at the boat plans that I choose. I wanted a VERY fast
: crusing speed. I like big water crossings because they afford me the
: freedom to travel long distances, however, no more than the next guy do I
: like being that exposed for very long. Simple solution is to paddle the
: distance at a high speed. There are two features I looked at when choosing
: my boat design. Extreme low wetted surface area and the longest water line
: I could find. Compromise here, this boat will be tippy, but FAST. The
: second feature, good tracking, comes into play simply because I like
: effiency. There is no sense in trying to make that crossing if half way
: between Queen Charlet and the main land you begin weather cocking. You'll
: slow down and have to spend energy making corrective strokes.

: I have ordered the plans for the Razor Billed Auk and plan on building my
: wife a SOT version as well (thanks Nick). I think this boat is one of the
: few out there that will fit the niche requirements that I have for a
: kayak. Again, realize I anticipate that this boat will have little primary
: stability and will be tippy and hard to handle at slower speeds.

: Best of luck,

: Matt

: PS: If you get this boat lets exchange e-mail and we can collaborate as we
: build ;^)