This is my first post to the forum and I first want to thank the community for all the good information that is present here. I finished my first home built boat a couple months ago, a "Christine" stitch and glue canoe per plans from Selway Fisher. Now I am preparing to build a kayak and have narrowed the options to one of Tom Yost's designs (a wood frame non folding type): Nikumi 17', Sea Rider single chine, or Sea Rider multi chine.

I think I have ruled out the Nikumi due to higher weight, lower speed, and what looks like more difficult skin application due to the complicated bow.

Does anyone have any advice regarding or experience with either Sea Rider? The multi chine looks like more work but I have read that multi chine hulls (all else being equal) are more efficient. I am planning on using nylon for the skin and also thought the increased number of stringers would better distribute the stress from skin expansion/contraction and therefore be less likely to result in a distorted frame.

I am 150lbs and 6ft tall and plan to use the kayak mainly for day trips. I am relatively new to kayaking but would like to have a boat that I can take in the ocean (Pacific Ocean, northern California) once I gain more experience.

Thanks in advance for any responses!