: Hi,

: I'm interested in building a cedar strip kayak, but I am slightly intimidated
: with where to start. I'm looking for a boat to use on lakes and rivers
: (not whitewater) for both day trips to week trips. I'm 5'3'' about 135lbs
: and while looking at websites I'm having trouble finding boats that would
: allow me to do those things with the appropriate weight limit.

: Does anyone have suggestions on the first couple steps of finding a design?
: Also, does anyone in the Toronto area know of stores to try out some
: designs?

: Thanks,

: Steph

Stephanie, using the sizes for Little Auk 11 ½ ft long, 26 inches wide, etc.,,, and using the free Bear Boat kayak designing program set for a rounded boat allowed me to come up with a really high volume roomy boat for it’s size. I’m about 5-7, 150, so I’m not a whole lot bigger then you. I use this boat in lakes, rivers and streams like you want to do and on long trips carrying lots of gear. After adding a skeg it paddles beautifully. Large watertight side compartments carry sensitive electronic equipment while making this boat unsinkable and still paddlable when filled with water and allowing a wet entry with out a paddle and paddle float. I have added so many things to this little boat it’s like a Swiss knife. So why not play around with a designing program and see what you come up with. The program I used allowed me to print out the forms on 8 ½” paper and tape them together for the complete full size forms.

John