Katie,
I don't have the specs here. Well, I guess I could go to the CLC site. Mill Creek 16.5 Length: 16' 6", Beam: 33", Weight: 55 lbs. REGULAR PRICE: Kit: $699 Plans: $50. It looks like they stretched the Mill Creek 13. This may be too much boat for you, I don't know, but I can't imagine you paddling the solo 15 with that pooch in your lap. As I recall the 16 has a 29" beam. You might be able to lighten it going with lighter sheathing, etc. I passed on this one because I thought to beam was excessive. I wanted something about 28". So I'm building to my own design now. I started with the MC 13 and stretched it with out adding beam and have made the hull fuller in the stern as I find the MC 13 to have too little buoyancy there.

It should go together about as easily as anything. If you're building from a kit minimal tools are necessary. Some of the gals are not comfortable with power tools, but a battery operated drill/screw gun and a good sander really speed the project. My 11 year old daughter is comfortable using my heavy, noisy autobody air tools when we work on boat projects together. Noone told her she couldn't, so she does. Next, chainsaws! Remember, experience starts when you begin.

Good luck.

: 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!