Changing any dimension of a boat by almost 14% will effect the way it performs. This does not mean the boat won't function, but it will perform differently.

: Hi I'm about to emabark upon my first kayak-building project. I have a bit of
: experience with the sport and did a 30 day tour down the AK. panhandle 3
: years ago. I'm going to attempt to build the Guillemmot Fast Double but am
: a bit concerned about the craft's overall length. Is there any
: conventional wisdom out there on knocking off 3 feet of the design and
: shortening it up? I have the Guillemot book on Kayak building with it's
: chapter on customizing the length of a boat but am wondering if such a
: modification would effect the boats tracking, or would necessitate a
: reconfiguration of the cockpits for weight and balance. Thanks for any
: help.
: David.