Thanks to everyone for your insight!
To answer Shawn's question, I am 5'-10" and weigh about 180. Is this too big and fat for the Silver? I must admit that I'd love to give a 22" beam a try, as I sometimes find my Chesapeake 17 a little on the "clunky" side. But, I also don't want something that makes me think twice about reaching for my water bottle due to stability problems.

: Let's try this again...

: I've built a Chesapeake 17 and a Spring Run. The cockpit is huge in both.
: I had to use a lot of hip padding to fit good. I am about 6' 2" and
: 180lbs..
: Now I would like to build something with more like a 22" beam.
: I think it would feel a lot better as far as fit and control go.
: I plan on letting other people with no/less experience use the wider boats
: when I take them out.
: I cut all my strips from 1X6X18'boards on a table saw with a very thin kerf
: saw blade. Then I milled bead and cove with a router in a router table.
: You should have no problem at all if you read previous posts on the subject.
: I say, go for a 22"beam kayak. I think you'll be happier with it.
: Disclaimer: I
: have not paddeled a 22" beam kayak yet...

: Jim Horlacher