: I've finally given up trying to find the "perfect" boat, so I'm now
: thinking of building one. I currently own a 17' stripper canoe which is
: great for tripping with two people, but is nearly impossible to navigate
: solo in the wind. I also have a 14' tandem rec kayak that paddles great,
: both solo and tandem, but weighs 80# which gets to be a little much when
: cartopping by myself. I'll probably keep the stripper, but I want to build
: a kayak that I can paddle solo and have room for my 50# dog. I want
: something that I can take on lakes, big rivers (no whitewater), and
: shallow creeks. Anything less than a 30" beam makes me nervous with
: the dog and I'd like to stay away from the longer models to facilitate
: creek travel. It also needs to have at least a 300# capacity. I am also a
: complete novice when it comes to woodworking. Any suggestions for good
: model plans or kits-including any modifications that enhance the qualities
: I'm looking for? Maybe something along the lines of CLC's Mill Creek 15
: with a wider beam? Thanks!

Hi,
I am also building my first kayak for lakes, rivers, creeks and my dog. It's beam is 28 inches, 12 foot long, and I expect it to be light weight. I used the free BearBack kayak software that has building parameters that hopefully will keep me from making a bad design mistake. I guess that is the chance I am taking and I might be sick after all of the work I will be putting into it. I posted a picture on down this list in the subject line (offset tables, Fri.10). I suspect that the master builders can tell by the shape if I am in for trouble. But this could be another option for you. There is so much excellent information on this board that I believe that an inexeienced person could be guided through all of the steps to building a kayak.

John