: At least take a look at George Putz's book.

George Putz...do you have a title?

His design for an 18.5 foot
: "Walrus" would be quite suitable for three kids, or two adults
: and a kid. It is drawn with a large single cockpit, so it looks a bit like
: a decked canoe.

This sounds similar to the post above made by Chip Sandresky...I think I know what you mean...I've seen a similar style on some plastic boats. It's a great idea, I just haven't really thought about it...kind of single minded focus. I've even seen the spray skirts with two tunnels that go on a boat with that kind of cockpit configuration. 18.5 feet will fit in my storage space...I'll do a search by author for the book you suggest.

This gives it the flexibility to handle a varying number
: of paddlers with ease. You could certainly make three cockpit openings
: instead.

I might...I kind of like the look of those seperate cockpits...and thinking about rolling techniques, though I'm not sure if anyone trains to roll a double...do you know anyone who does that?

: If you like his design, chek out a webpage i'e comiled which translates his
: dimensions into simple coordinates that you can quickly and easily graph.
: These allow you to make forms which are shorter, so they rest on a table
: top or strongback, or just a bit closer to the floor, if you wish. Shorter
: forms also save you a lot on plywood for the forms.

Never mind about my request for the title of his book....I'll just visit his sight.

: http://www.geocities.com/eureka/business/7882/walrus18.htm

: hope this helps.

: PGJ

You bet it helps....all the info is great...plus after reading some of the threads here on the KBBB, I see there's quite an established SOF community. I'm afraid that I might get to liking those SOF boats better than the wooden boats already in our family fleet.
Bill