Everyone is a walking, talking set of anthropometric measurements. Your arms are exactly one of your arms long. However, there is no way you can take your arm length and translate it into a boat of a given performance based on someone elses arm length.

The single biggest determinant of performance is weight and there is no body measurement that can tell you how much you weigh other than stepping on a scale. Some people with short legs weigh more than someone else with long legs. A fist on either side of your butt also is not a good estimate for weight. People are too differenent to make the concept of a universal system of anthropometric measurements in kayak design possible.

If you want accurate anthropometric dimensions for a boat with the performance you like, go find a boat you like and measure it with body parts, and then build a boat of your own using your body parts instead of a tape measure. I think a tape measure is a little easier, but you might lose your tape measure. If you lose your body parts, you probably won't much feel like paddling any way.

That said, you want a boat to fit you. An anthropometric system can make a boat that fits. Just don't expect it to create a boat that performs the same for everyone, but it should fit well.

: Does anyone know of a source of info on how body measurements are used to
: size up a person to a kayak? I am looking for some specific details, not
: just vague generalities. Is there a rule of thumb so to speak? If we are
: building custom boats shouldn't we build to suit?
: Just a thought,
: Dave M