I have been surfing, and surfing and surfing the net looking at kayak designs. My head is swimming,

I want to build a strip kayak this winter. I'd probably fall in the "most popular" category. I am 5'9 170 lbs and a beginner with some paddeling experience on Lake Superior. The primary purpose of the kayak will be on Lake Superior, either along the north shore or Apostle Islands, with occasional trips to the Mississippi River. I'd like to be able to pack for a 2-3 day excursion, and for this boat prefer straight tracking over the ability to turn on a dime or surf. I do want speed though. I paddled a plastic, poorly designed boat several years ago and it was a stable tub, compared to the plastic boat I was paddling, so I know that design is important. I am willing to sacrifice some stability for speed. I am not worried about fishing, photography, etc. I also do not want to outgrow the boat in a year. I am an experience woodworker, never built a boat though.

Some designs I have come across, although I have paddled none of them. Cape Ann Storm, Redfish Silver, and the Guillemont appropriately from Guillemont. Type of strongback to build on doesn't really matter at this point.

Thanks, Kyle