: I'm looking for some plans that I can build an all-around sea-kayak play boat
: from. I have an Arctic Tern right now and love it, but I want to build a
: smaller boat to share with my wife and son, who are both smaller paddlers.

Hi there --

First off, this is posted without having paddled any of these boats (since I'm 6'4 and 220# ...).

I have heard good things about the Cormorant, and there are some folks on the board who are building it. Maybe some of them can lend some advice ...

Two other options are the CLC Chesapeake 16 and 16lt. for a playboat, I would think that the 16lt might be ideal. Hard chine, low freeboard, and from the description on the CLC site, you all three should fit.

Also, there is the Merganser 16, from Shearwater boats ( www.shearwater-boats.com ). It is a bit narrower, at 21", but I believe that they will customize plans. Perhaps they could widen the beam a bit? I got a very quick response to an email I sent them about sizing a couple of weeks ago.

In any event, maybe you should let us know where you live; maybe some folks who live near you have completed boats you might be able to try out?

Good Luck!
Bill Graham