: Im looking to build a kayak for speed. Anyone paddled or built or heard any
: comments about either the Northbay XL or Westriver 180?

I have a North Bay Xl it is fairly stable and very fast. It leans well for turns . Slight weather cocking If you have any skills no skeg is required.It is a long boat so it takes a bit of work to paddle. Foot room may be a problem if you are a very large paddler. I fit with size 11 feet, 160 lb and I am 6 ft tall but, I do not have room to spare.I use the boat as a winter boat in that it more stable and has a larger cockpit than the 17 foot Northbay I paddle during the rest of the year. The larger cockpit makes me feel safer when paddling on Lake Michigan in the ice. It is faster than any of the commerail boats I paddle with including Nordkaps and 18 foot Explorers.