I was planning on building a wood frame Sea Rider when I looked at the specs again and noticed that it is designed for a 190lb paddler and 35lb boat. Well I haven't been 190lbs since the last time I was in the hospital for a few weeks.

So for a 215lb paddler 1) can I adjust the HAB values to get more freeboard? 2) Should I use the offsets as provided and get used to even small waves washing over the deck? 3) Just pick a different design?

The Sea Ranger LC has a slightly higher aft deck, but it is also a little wider, almost the same as the Guillemot that I now use. Of course, there is very little difference between any of these, 19.5" for the Rider, 20.25" for the Ranger and 21" for the Guillemot.

Any thoughts? besides getting down to 190lbs - i'm working on it...

Thanks,
Paul