First off, I hope I'm posting this in the right section of the forum, if not I apologize. I'm posting this on behalf of my Dad, who's not the most computer savvy, and also needs a little nudge on getting this project going. He's wanting to make his own kayak and loves the look of the strip builts, but is having trouble deciding on what model and design to use. Here's a little background information. He's 5'8" and 150 pounds and here in NE Iowa we have small rivers (20-50 yards wide and 2'-5' deep) but there are some fallen trees and such that one may need to maneuver, so it needs to be small enough to handle this water. He's also taken a kayaking trip to the Appostle Islands on Lake Superior and loved it, so it needs to be big enough to handle that water too. Some things he's also unsure about is S&G hull vs. strip hull on which one is easier, functions better, and is easier to keep straight (he's worried about getting the strips out of square or twisted somehow). This boat doens't have to be a heavy hauler because most trips will be short day trips. He's been looking at the Guillmot 17' or the Chesapeake 16'. One concern he has is not wanting to have such a wide beam that it's hard for him to paddle, or too narrow that it's too tippy.

Does this magical boat exist? I have no idea, but any experiences and insight that you can give would be greatly appreciated.