: I've built two of Tom's designs (for myself and my partner)
: the weight limitations are VERY accurate.

: Don't forget to consider the weight of your gear.
: (we carry camping gear, adding the weight of gear and supplies affected our
: choices)

: I second Bill's suggestion to email Tom -
: He's extremely helpful.

: On the skirt suggestion, we've never felt a need to have them, but then
: again,
: I made the lips higher, we keep our total weight below the max, we kayak in
: protected waters, and we and head for shore when the waves start cresting.

I don't remember the last time I paddled without a skirt, just a good habit to get into. Around here I'm often called upon to be a safety boat for group paddles and that's easier (and safer) if you don't have to worry about flooding the boat.

Course the new boat whenever it's finished will be used sans skirt, it's a sit on top

Bill H.