Paul,

I'll second Greg Hicks' Merganser recommendation. I finished one about three weeks ago that I built from plans using 1/8" luan door skins. While a kit would have been easier, building from plans was not a problem even though I'm not an ace wood worker. I'm at the other end of the physical spectrum from Greg (5'7" and 130lbs) and I'm very happy with my Merganser 17. I suspect though that as I become more experienced I'll wish that I'd built the smaller version.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Bill H.