: I am relatively new to kayaking and currently own a Perception Swifty. I am
: looking to build a stitch and glue kayak this winter and have sort of
: settled on the Chesapeake Light Craft 16LT. I am about 5'3", 125 lbs,
: no woodworking experience, and will be paddling the bayous of Louisiana,
: mostly day trips. I take lots of pictures while paddling so will need
: something stable enough to allow me to do that, and something that turns
: easily enough to manuever through the cypress trees. And something a
: little FASTER than the Swifty. I have looked at the Pygmy and CLC websites
: but am looking for any input anyone here might have. I live in northern
: Louisiana and know of no boats in my area that I can demo (drats). I would
: appreciate any suggestions you might have.
: Thanks,
: Jenny

I would think about maybe a Chesapeake 14 or a Shearwater merganser 16.

I built a Merganser for my SO who is taller than you but about the same weight. She really loves the Merganser. It is fairly narrow so might be more tippy than the Chesapeake however. Or so she says. It is quite manueverable though.

best of luck choosing.

My website is below and has some pictures of her boat (and mine too).

Pete czerpak
albany, NY