If you want to build a S& G from plans, Shearwater boats are a good one to look at. I built a Shearwater Merganser from plans and also a Pygmy kit for my daughter. The Merganser is a great boat for me (I have the 16 1/2 ' which fit's my 5'7 138 lbs. It's pretty responsive. Out in the ocean, I may want something just a tad larger, but here Puget Sound it's great. The nice thing about a lot of designers are they are builders first, and salesman second. Most are pretty happy to share the strengths of their designs without putting down another. That's refreshing.
: Such a big investment in time to build a boat .. and I don't have a way to
: try either.

: I have spoken with someone who built both and still has both. He spoke about
: the stability and tracking of the Solace 18EX. This is his boat when he
: needs stability, for example, when using a camera.

: I do want a boat fairly long days on the ocean, paddling for six hours or
: more. I've been getting to the Pacific more than once a month and hope to
: do a trip either in the San Juans or Queen Charlottes this year.

: But the bulk of my paddling is local flatwater ... that is really just for
: exercise and training.

: When I selected my 17LT this year I found a way to visit both Pygmy and
: Chesapeake. It is harder for me to find an excuse to go to Edmonton or
: Long Island.

: I haven't made up my mind. I will talk to Eric again.

: The footroom on the 18EX sure looks nice for long paddles.

: I've included a photograph of my 17LT and me to show my build, not slender,
: but 210 pounds... can I fit in a Bluefin