Howdy,

I am looking at building a kayak. This will my first attempt, but I feel comfortable after reading the reviews and recommendations here. It will mostly likely be a stitch and glue kit since they seem easier (and cheaper?) than other types.

My question is about the size of the kayak to get. I have looked at various plastic models that are in the 12ft to 16ft range. The 16 footers seem quite big for me. My planned use is lakes and quiet rivers, like the mid Hudson Valley in New York. The Kits I have seen are mostly larger than the plastic models I have used. I understand that these are "Sea Kayaks" and will be bigger for use in the open water.

The kits that I originally thought would be good for me were 14ft, but the descriptions state that they would be good for children or small women. Well, I am an average guy at 5-10 and 200 pounds.

I am also concerned with the cockpit opening. Some of the plastic ones I have used have openings that seemed small, making it harder to get into. None of the descriptions I have read online state the cockpit opening dimensions. Is this something that can be adjusted during construction?

I should add that the plastic models I have used and thought of buying were called recreational or day touring kayaks.

Any thoughts about a "short" 14ft kayak for an averge size guy ?

Thanks, Paul