: Nicholas, well done. I trimmed down the forward/inside edge of the thigh
: braces as it seems that they don't need to be that far forward and it gave
: a little more between the knees room for getting in/out. It's too bad the
: WR162 didn't sell better, it's the model that should have showed up
: instead of the WR164. When the WR164 came out it turned out to have a
: larger cockpit interior than anyone who wants a 16' kayak would ever need,
: but there wasn't a demo 162 around so the general perception was that the
: WR164 was kind of a tub. With an inch lopped off the sheer panel the 162
: looks like a sea kayak but has the stability of a rec. kayak.

Lee,

I originally intended to build the 164 but am very glad I elected to build the 162. The cockpit of the 162 is a little too large for me so I imagine the 164 would be cavernous. I have found that if I sit on my pfd that the boat is more responsive and the deck at a more reasonable height. It seems od to be trying to reduce the stability of a boat but it is much more comfortable that way. I am not really able to comment on the boats handling in waves as the biggest I have been near in it is the wake of a paddle steamer. Is the 162 any good in the chop?

As for the thigh braces on the Merganser.... yes it is a tight fit, I may end up triming the forward edge if I dont get used to getting in without damaging myself or falling in. I suspect that I wont get to use the merganser very much anyway as my girlfriend looked pretty comfortable in it.

I have ordered the Morris and Cunningham books........ there may be another boat on the way. I have done two this year and should probably paddle them a bit now though!

Regards,

Nickle