: men, so WE are the ones who'd probably need a more stable platform...

I'd have to agree with Peter on this issue. I've been studying Zimmerly's collection and note that all the stability calcuations are done assuming a crew weight of 105 pounds. I'll make a rash guess and say these crew were also under 5'6" in height. So for a given hull their weight would leave more reserve bouyancy and a lower center of gravity. I could build one of these skin boats for my 5'6", 105# daughter and have a good idea of how it would perform for her. As I am 6" taller and twice her weight I should be looking at least a double hull form to get anything near the calculated stability. In performance sailing it's said that the best crew is at least 6' and 250#, preferably with most of his weight between his ears. For kayaking you should be under 5'6" about 130# with most of your weight below your waste. That only describes the women in my household.
Geo. C.