This will definitely keep me moving all winter. I'll have plenty of time even with work. I think. There is a close season on rivers here from March 15 through June 16th. There are local canals and then stillwaters though so getting it wet won't be a problem.

I haven't any experience kayaking but want something stable enough to not have to worry about tipping. Touring would be brilliant I think and if it turns out as well as all of the rest I have seen, I doubt I'll be able to build just one. Still I have the initiative. My other better half calls me a piddler. Call it what you will. I have finished all of her projects so maybe she'll assist with mine. I am now looking very forward to it.

One concern is weight. I'm 6' 3" and weigh in at 220lbs. Will something like a Great Auk handle my weight? I found a reference on it. If I remember correctly the capacity was exactly that 220lbs. I know that I can scale one up a bit but how much would be the question. Maybe with this mistress I'll lose a little... : )

Thanks for the great response. Very inspiring!