. My problem however is that I can't seem
> to track down a descent set of plans for the kind of kayak that I
> would like to build. I'm hoping to build an expedition style sea kayak
> that is capable of carrying a 160 lb person (that's me) along with
> roughly between 55 to 65 lbs of camping gear for extended 4 to 5 day
> trips in the wild waters off the coast of British Columbia.

Chesapeake Light craft (CLC) Chesapeake 17 is your best option, better than Cape charles, more volume in the bow. ON their site they have a grid to compare their models for different uses. Run your test.

One of
> the biggest problems that I seem to be facing is that most of the
> plans I do find are for boats that are just way to overbuilt for my
> needs ( after all I'm only 5' 8, and these boats are way to heavy
> for me to portage any great distance. ) Forget portaging: when loaded your only option is a small collapsible cart, or moving the gear and then the boat. Or a broken backbone.

My greatest advice: buyt the kit. You will not be saving much by buying the plans: about 50 more hours work, lots more scrap material left over, a real pain to track all materials, the doubt of "did I really cut it right ??".

I've built from plans, but my cpae charles was so modified it only recalls it. The second one I built was from pre-cut pieces I had made on the firts run, it turned to be much faster to build.

Finally: go for overlapping hatches, not flush ones, they leak.

Stefano

I've kind of got my heart
> set on a stitch and glue kayak ( unless someone could convince me
> other wise ) I would appreciate any help that anyone out would be
> willing to offer and would also appreciate any good building advice
> ( Mind you I see from much of the old messages that that's what this
> board seems to be all about. Again Thanx for any help.