: If a guy doesn't like paddling, what on earth is he doing in a craft that is
: paddled?

This is a good question, but there are alternative answers that might be considered here...

Being primarily, a slow speed craft,(except when designed to have enhanced capability) a kayak is nicely suited for what looks to be the type of boating that this person has in mind with this design solution. The trolling motor he shows is not going to produce a lot of thrust, so he is going to be operating in the design envelope for the hull's potential. He may like sitting down close to the water where fishing can be more of an intimate sport. He may like to poke about in the reed beds at his favorite lake so he can watch birds and take pictures. This adaptation would do that nicely. And lastly, though there are plenty more possible examples, he may want to return the boat to its kayaking origins at his discretion, so that he can paddle the boat when he would like. All that is available to him through this setup without going out and buying another craft.

: For more stability, a wider kayak or boat might help. An outrigger is fine
: but I'd build a craft AS an outrigger boat.

Mike, there are many examples of boats with similar beam/length ratios being used with an outrigger and the reasons are varied as to why they evolved in this fashion. Some were developed to allow the boat to carry a sail without adding weighted ballast for righting moment, some were developed with motors and needed to gain enhanced stability for offshore work in variably rough conditions.

The owners of the last type liked the economy of having a slender hulled vessel, but wanted to add a stabilizing element so that they could get a bit of the benefit of both worlds; fast and economical along with a measure of stability.

Kayaks tend to have a favorable beam/length ratio that mimics a design for economy of movement at a slower range of speeds. They are also reasonably light for their duty potential, so they are easily transported to small bodies of water. Chugging a beamier boat would be more work and be less available for other types of use.

I have found that canoes and kayaks make for amazingly adaptable craft as long as you recognize what they do well and what they do not. For instance: paired canoes or kayaks can make for an interesting catamaran style craft which can be lightly motored or even sailed (with some thought to systems and design)

Either style of hull can be sailed with some degree of efficiency and can easily do more than either canoe or kayak can under paddle. This is especially so when one considers the energy needed to paddle into the wind. The caveat here is that the wind needs to be of sufficient strength to make the tradeoff worthwhile.

A canoe, when rigged with outrigger floats can become a very stable platform, allowing small kinds to go out on a lake and learn some of the basics of paddling without being subjected to the business of a capsize. The same boat can make for a really good duck-hunting platform (for those so inclined) as it is lightweight, easily maneuvered and roomy enough to provide for a comfortable environment to sit and wait for the birds to come into range. You don't need a big metal boat with a hunky outboard engine to do this activity.

And... when all these alternate use activities have been enjoyed, the boat is easily returned to its paddled roots for all the traditional pursuits of its original design intent.

Of course, a sailing canoe/kayak is not going to be as efficient at sailing as, say, a catamaran dedicated to the activity, but have you ever had the pleasure of paddling a cat when the wind dies. Of, sure, it can be done, but it's remarkably masochistic in nature. Ask me how I know that after years of racing multihulls.

Kayaks and their sisters in paddling... canoes, are probably the most versatile boats available to the boating recreationist. Dollar for dollar, they beat all other boating purchases for total adaptability and are the ideal first boating investment for a small family, or dedicated outdoorsman.

An example of this flexibility can be shown through a very short blurb on the most recent boat to leave my shop, the XCR sailing canoe. The owner is having a total blast with his family in this boat. He can motor, sail or paddle at his discretion and the boat can be towed behind any car, including small economy jobs, as it weighs only 200 pounds when it's ready to go sailing.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/reports/nov/index.htm