Hi Michael,

You didn't mention how tall you are, or what size feet you have. Sometimes that has as much to do with fit as weight does.

My 260 lb. cousin has paddled both my Guillemot 18 and my Chesapeake 17. The Chesapeake 17 is actually a bit big for my weight at 190 lbs, but the right size for my 6'6" frame and size 14's. With a slightly larger cockpit opening, it might be just right for you. I think CLC's size recommendations are a bit too generous--you might even consider the Chesapeake 18LT before looking at the full-sized 18.

The Guillemot 18 (standard 17' boat design built 1' longer, but not wider) was a little tippy for him. He was a lineman in college, so lots of upper body! The new Guillemot "L", which is a wider, longer, deeper version of the standard boat might be a great fit for you, as would the Great Auk.

Like Lee said, you can do a bit more customizing to a strip boat, but there's still plenty of creativity possible with stitch & glue.

Lots of folks worry about being too heavy for their boat. Lots of (often smaller, but) paddlers are in boats that are too big for them. Don't worry about sinking your boat--there are very few wood boats that are [u]that[/u] small. Just make sure you build something you can fit your frame into.

: I have a couple of quick questions.....I am 25olbs and am wondering what size
: boat should I build? I would also like to carry roughly 70-100lbs of
: camping gear?

: what can I build? Any plans recomendations??

: thanks everyone

: Michael