Dale

My opinions:

I have built 13 SOF boats for myself and others and have made plenty of mistakes. In 1961 when I built my first as a teenager I used the glued and screwed with a 2 piece skin. I no longer build "the modern improved type," but rather build them similar to Morris'. Using the anthropomorphic measure will give you a good boat. If you are a paddler who has paddled various hulls you will have a head start on what hull shape you to make. I weigh 220 and paddle a 20 ft by 20 inch boat. This boat is on the big side for me. The boat that I built last month is 16 ft by 18 inch and it is the smallest boat that I would want to paddle. It was a blast to paddle and easy to roll but the back deck was awash in the slightest waves. These boats are on the extremes of the anthropomorphic for me. The 16 ft being perfect for the 145 lb man who I built it for. The boats that Robert Morris features are good boats and Robert will freely answer any questions that you have. Don't get trapped into getting so focused on the details and making a perfect piece of art that you will be unwilling to get dirty. Concentrate on building a good strong hull that will take you back home from wherever you should choose to go.

Good luck

Pete