Jeff, after reading the responses to the message below I can't help but think that you wouldn't be happy with some of the boats suggested. They are all great boats,( especially the CLC boats ; After recently buying "the boat that will last me many years" I
> am now looking into yet another boat (go figure ;-) I do have what seems
> to be a significant constraint inre: boat design: I have a lot of problem
> with my joints (those between my bones not scarfed ones!) which causes me
> particular problem with boats that don't have enough deck volume to allow
> me to paddle with my feet straight up and down. I am 5'7" and only
> 125 pds. which puts me in fairly low volume boats for efficiency but leave
> me very cramped and uncomfortable. My latest boat is a Heritage sit-on-top
> which is a bit oversized for me but absolutely wonderful for mid-summer
> paddling - when my hips/legs/feet get tired and sore I just recline back a
> bit or jump off the side! I would also really like to have a low volume
> closed-deck boat for colder weather and times when I'd rather roll than
> climb-back-on.

> Does anyone have recommendations of kits meant for a light paddler that
> still offer ample room to move about inside the cockpit? I have a fair
> amount of woodworking experience but figure that a kit is likely the best
> way to go for the first try.