> . . . I would be open to
> suggestions of what shape hull I should use.

> 2 my storage consraints limit me to the 12 foot length, any advice on how
> to make this length boat as fast as possible ?

I would urge you to look at some of the designs for collapsible kayaks, or rigid kayaks that come apart into 2 (or even 3) parts. you should be able to find some nice off-the-shelf designs, or some that can be easily modified.

Your storage constraints are probably not permanent. I suspect at sometime in the future you'll find ways to store longer boats. If you have a longer boat, and have to find storage for it, you tend to look harder, and eventualy you find such space.

As I sit here munching on popcorn I am reminded that MY weight has certainly increased over the years, and I strongly suspect that eventually yours will too. A boat sized to handle a few pounds more than you now carry will last you a few years longer.

An 18 foot boat that comes apart into an 8 foot part and a 10 foot part should easily fit in your 12 foot storage area. A fabric-skinned collapsible would be even smaller.

Don't dwell on the storage problem, go beyond it. Ponder the possibilities. Best of luck to you on your project. When you finish it you'll absolutely love it. Paul Jacobson