Tim, I built a Sea Rider, and I had an opportunity to briefly paddle Wes Ostertag's traditional construction '59 Illorsuit replica at HRGF.

I think both kayaks have similar initial stability. I think the "Iggy" has a little less secondary. It seems to transition to edging faster than the Sea Rider. It also feels much more nimble, and makes very quick edged turns. Which, really, isn't surprising considering it has greater keel rocker than the Sea Rider. Also, the "Iggy" is wider (about 23" maybe) than the Sea Rider, and possibly a bit more "pinchy" at the bow and stern, which would make for a kayak that responds nicely to edging. Not sure of speed, but the "Iggy" feels like it dances or bobs over waves in a more lively fashion than the Sea Rider. I didn't get much time for rolling, but I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary in the "Iggy." I will note that I think balance bracing is difficult for my 185-190lbs in the Sea Rider, especially without a tuilik. Sure don't want to wear one of them during nice summertime...

All in all, given the ease of lifting offsets from the plans I have, the Iggy will be my next plywood frame and stringer construction. It's going to be a bit of a hybrid, though, as I'm going to lash the stringers to the forms with no pegs or glue, and probably lash the ends to the gunwales and keelson much more like traditional construction. I will also go heavier scantlings for the gunwales, at least 2.5", and I might mortise a seeqqortarfik into the gunwales. I don't want the epoxy-glued stress risers at gunwales and chines, and I'll feel happier in surf with the bigger scantling gunwales.

Since Duncan surveyed a waterline into the plans, I will attach plywood risers to the strongback, and clamp all sections to these uniform height risers upsidedown. This will make assembly and lashing super easy - thanks, Mike Hanks!

Brian

: Mike,
: I was wondering how your decision went. I'm in the same boat (pardon the pun)
: as you and was flip flopping between the Ranger and Rider and possibly the
: Iggy. I have smaller feet and would only use this boat as a day
: tripper.Let me know if you have the time, thanks.
: Tim