Hi Jim,

The world could always use another Redfish King. Especially a pretty one made by someone with the skills of a luthier, you wouldn't know one would you?

Ken

: Hi everyone -

: Well, Lake Erie has become my primary paddling destination since I live less
: than a city block from it. I'm launching/landing on gravel/sand beaches,
: and paddling along the shoreline almost always means I'm paddling into or
: with quartering or beam seas. Lot's of 3' boat wakes and 1'-2' chop
: kicking to 3'+ chop is typical. Lake Erie typically has 1-3' waves with
: barely 10-15' between wave crests. I'm just now starting to get out into
: the 2-3+' conditions, wanting to improve my skills and enjoyment, getting
: tired of waiting for calm conditions...they don't happen often

: My Cape Ann Storm does great in those conditions. My Dragonfly (Caspian Sea)
: is very stable and easy to control but tends to rock 'n bob on the waves
: because of its relatively flat bottom, but it's shorter length is great.
: I'm still beginner-intermediate but getting increasingly comfortable in my
: QCC 700 XL which has a 21" beam, 20.5" waterline beam and 18'
: length.

: I don't care for the feel of hard-chine boats.

: So, anyone have some suggestions on a good kayak project for next winter? I'd
: like to build something that is closer to a 23" beam, less than 17'
: in length and stable in those conditions, with decent tracking and speed.
: I know a fair amount of hull flare is helpful for stability as conditions
: deteriorate. I'm looking for a forgiving day-paddler.

: I wish the Broze brothers sold plans for their Mariners!

: I'll probably build a modified Storm as an SOF this summer with those
: dimensions, but would like to do another stripper once the weather goes
: south.

: Any of you ocean/surf paddlers have any suggestions? Spring Run?

: Oh, yeah. I'm 6'1" and 210lbs. long-waisted.

: Thanks for helping me pick my next boat.

: Jim