: Interesting! I do like the looks and sportiness of the Penguino so I'll have
: to research that as well. I ordered the plans for the Merganser 17w just
: so I could have something to familiarize myself with before I actually
: start any building process. I'm hoping it gives me a better understanding
: of how everything goes together and if I don't build it I don't have too
: much invested.

The Merganser 17W is a very satisfying build and very attractive kayak. I trimed away 3/16" of the bow panels where they meet for about 16" in the bow to soften the entry and make it more maneuverable. I don't think what I did would have given the 17W the anomalous pivot point, if anything it should have decreased the weathercocking. A friend paddles it a lot and isn't bothered by the characteristic but in my mind it's a very different kayak than the 16,17,18 and needs some fine tuning.

The Penquino feels like a slightly bigger Necky Manitou 13. I'm going to fit it with a seat that puts me about 1" off the bottom.

I test paddled the Penquino on a moderately breezy day at all points to the wind and even though it's easily turned it was surprising neutral, very light weathercocking. I still overbuild kayaks for rough use but the neat thing about a 13' kayak is that overbuilt it's still pretty light compared to a 17'+ kayak that's overbuilt.