: Any suggestions on which of Nick Schade's boats to build? I am about 140 lbs,
: 5'7" tall and would like to kayak on lakes and the occassional calm
: river, only short day trips. I am just a beginner and have only rented a
: few different boats. I like kayaks that are both easy to maneuver around
: the shore but still fast and straight tracking. I really like the looks of
: the Guillemot, but am wondering if the Guillemot Play might be better for
: me. Thanks.

I built the G-17 right out of the book, no modifications. It is a fantastic design and I love it. However, I wouldn't call it a real straight tracker, it does require attention to keep it going straight. It turns very well without much lean and rolls very easily. I haven't paddled the Auk but would guess it to track a little straighter but have somewhat less manuverability, the same with the longer night heron.

All designs are a balance of the desirable traits and all highlight some over the others. The trick is deciding what is most important to you and picking the boat that is stronger in that area. Looks also matter.

I chose the Guillemot mainly because I loved the way it looked, I didn't shop around for design features that much because being new to the sport I didn't really know what I wanted and I knew the Guillemot was a proven design that many people liked.