: I'd like to read any comments from Guillemot "L" owners.
: I'd like to fabricate one. But before starting, I wish to read about your
: experience with that kayak. What's the weight of it, how it tracks and
: react in the waves and the wind. I'm 6'-3", 235# with shoes size 12.
: Thank you all.
: Regards

Bonjour Michel
When I started to build my Guillemot L, I was 6'1",267# with shoes size 11. I measured a little wrong, and my Guillemot became 19', so I'm calling it a XL.

It has 3 layers of glass outside on hull bottom and 2 layers inside because I didn't want to be careful every time I should land on shore. I also used some hardwood, so the total weight with seat, rudder pedals, rudder, bulkheads etc. is 68#, but it should be no problems to lower that weight a lot.

To me, it was the right kayak to start with. It is very stable in normal conditions, tracks good, it is roomy and I feel very comfortable in it. From june 2002 to june 2003 I paddled over 2000 km (1250 miles?), and I liked every one of them. But, my weight is now 220#, so I feel that it is a little too big for me now. The only thing I don't like is waves around 5' - 8'. In these waves it feels "tippy", but in larger waves I don't have that feeling. I think it has something to do with the wavelength.

The picture is from a five days trip. Me, kayak, gear, food etc. had a total weight of 392#. I paddled in wind speed up to 14 m/s (31,31 mph)(27,21 knot)(I don't know what wind measurement to use in english) and I had no problems with that.

You can read more about this kayak on my home pages.

Best regards
Tom