I built the Chesapeake 17 and enjoyed building it and love paddling it. Since you have already built the Cape Charles you have a head start from where I started. Now I am so hooked I'm building a strip built and it is even more fun to build than a S&G (much longer too).

Take your time getting it aligned properly and she'll track like on rails.

Good luck.

: Welp,
: I (and a friend) just started my second kayak tonight. Started with a Cape
: Charles 16, and have graduated up to a Chesapeake 17. Very different
: plans...I was not expecting that, but am pleased and excited about the
: challenge.
: We have the blanks cut and ready to scarf...two scarfs per panel this time,
: and the panels are curved! (someone mentioned spokeshaves...this is where
: they come in real handy) Stuff to think about, information to absorb.
: Brains to exersize.
: It's wonderful!

: Someday, I'll possibly try a strip built, etc., like many of you, but I'm in
: the kindergarten learning stages of this and so far so good.

: Wish me luck, and any advice or thoughts from those of you who have built the
: Chesapeake 16, 17, or 18 are especially welcome.

: Mary Martha
: PS: I'm trying Maranti Mahogony this time vs. Okoume. Supposed to be darker
: and more interesting grain. Has anyone worked with this before?