Well, thanks for all the comments. Sounds like it could use a smaller cockpit, tracks as advertised, no bad habits. Not a boat that changes course easily, which sounds good in quartering seas. Stability would be good for fishing, and paddling workouts while looking at the scenery. It can be built very light. I'm not crazy about the reports about the bow diving. Neither my Mariner II, Q400, or Cape Ann Storm do that. Although I got green water up to the cockpit in the Q400 a few times paddling into head seas.

Dan, I'm familiar with Indian Lake, very nice area but not easy to get to from Cleveland. I raced RC sailboats there a few times. Can't believe it's unlimited horsepower with all those just-submerged logs and stumps!

I'll have to decide if I want to look for a couple of designs that track well, but are a bit more playful. I just received the plans for the Tasman Sea after corresponding with John Winter. Sounds like it might be a good boat for playing out on Lake Erie, too. And John Winter's claims it surfs really well in following seas. It reminds me a bit of the Coaster with its short length...13'6".

Jim