: I am ready for another project this winter. I have never seen the solace but
: from what I read I like it. Now that some of you have had a season to play
: in them what do you think? I want something just a little more roomy than
: my arctic terns 14' that I built for the kids and similar to my prijon
: kodiak. I am considering the Coho or larger Terns also. I have limited
: time this winter ( the same travel schedule that destroyed the paddle
: season for me), next winter I hope to build a redfish.

Hi, Scott

I haven't paddled a Solace 16LT but it is supposed to handle as well as a Lightning 17. If this is true then it tracks well, has very good primary stability, is speedy and responsive and very easy to build due to the great instructions. It is a lower volume kayak so the deck sits low. Paul J has seen this yak and bought one for his wife just recently. He says a little bit about it in the trips section and has tried my Lightning 17; he loved it, (right, Paul? ). I am sure if you build the Solace 16 LT you won't be disappointed.

Incidently, Donnie is designing a new Solace 16EX which will be a smaller version of his Solace 18EX, a kayak that I think is a must have for kayak collectors (that would be most of us here). It will ahve a 22 inch beam and a very sleek hull with 4 chines to give it a very round look. I'm hoping to get the 18EX during the winter but probably won't get it built until the summer of 2004. That is, of course, unless my wife gives me the plans for Nick's Night Heron. Hmmm, maybe I can build two at the same time. I hope the kids don't need me much next summer.

Robert N Pruden