: After looking through the archives at info on the Shearwater Merganser I am
: considering it as my second S & G project. I am an intermediate
: paddler 5'11", 163 lbs, size 9 1/2 shoe. I paddle a Valley Pintail
: which I love but hate to pack for camping. Is the Merganser 16 or 17 any
: higher volume than my low windage Pintail? The Merganser looks a bit like
: my old Avocet. I would like a kayak that is fun to paddle (maybe similar
: to an Avocet) both for day trips and 3-5 day camping weekends. In other
: words, loaded and unloaded at my weight. Any info is appriciated.

It'll be a snug fit,,the Merganser is a lot stiffer tracking than the Pintail and somewhat faster top end,,in four panels you'll find that if you go for one attribute you'll lose others more quickly. 5 day camping trips carrying 40lbs of water puts you right into the 17' kayak. You could pull it off if your total load was under 40lbs. I'm 5'11" with size 11 ft and it's the smallest kayak I'd paddle but would definately pick it for high wind paddling,,not tight quarters maneuvering.

I got into building because I wanted to build and thought I could find something in s&g that would be as nice as my Express but a bit quicker,,,and built the CLC Patuxent 17. That was a learning experience. What was your first s&g?