Yup, I agree. Go with the LT. I am building a 17LT right now, my first boat. My partner in crime is building a 17LT and a 16LT for the missus. There is plenty of storage for a 4-5 day trip in the 17LT. In addition I made a lopsided lamp in seventh grade, but have stayed away from wood since then. We have decked 2/3 boats with no problems and they look great. The folks at CLC are just fabulous and you can always find the other answers on this page, it is a great resource.

Chet

: Adam,

: About 2 years ago I decided on the 17LT and I am very happy with it.
: According to the folks at CLC the hull is identical to that of the 17, so
: same performance (I find it quite stable; easy to sit still comfortably in
: reasonable chop on Lake Michigan without feeling like you are going to
: roll over). Being a bit lower, probably it handles better in the wind,
: too. Still a lot of storage space in the LT. I'm 5'10" and 165 lb,
: and it is plenty big for me---I think I'd be swimming in the standard 17.
: (One suggestion---don't follow their placement for the forward bulkhead,
: it is way too far forward--wish I had moved it towards the cockpit---more
: storage and less water to pump out---you may need to cut a new bulkhead to
: fit, but luan should work fine, or go with minicell). It was my first
: kayak, and I had no trouble with the kit---people at CLC and here are
: extremely helpful.

: Regarding fishing, it would work OK, but if this is your primary use probably
: something with a much bigger cockpit opening would be better.

: Ed

: I'm considering building either the Chesapeake 17 or the 17LT. I know the LT