: I had my mind made up on a S&G kayak to build. I have been reading here and
: you guys have convinced me I really want a stripper. Now that means I have
: to start my search for which boat I want to build.

: I am looking for suggestions for a good first boat to build. I have built a
: DK-13 kayak and paddled it a lot. I am a woodworker so I am not worried
: about the construction. I am 5'8" and around 200 lbs. The boat will
: just be used for day triping and maybe some fishing. So storage is not an
: issue.

: I love the idea of a long fast boat but weight is a big issue. So I am
: thinking of a 16'boat (for now) I need to be able to load and unload it
: off the top of my truck, take it up and down hills to launching points
: ect.

: I will use it 99% in flat water. Our lake normally only see's 1.5-2 foot
: waves on a bad day. 3' is about as big as they get. I also expect to use
: the boat on smaller creeks around here too.

: With all that said I would love some suggestions to look at!

Well, you might take a look at the Caspian Sea. I built one, called it the Dragonfly. It's also made as a production boat called the QCC Q400. John Winter told me he thinks it's his best design. It really meets all your criterion. It's also very manueverable.

Jim