: Did you paddle plastic or glass? (Just curious). This will be my
: first build. That's why I want to stay with something that's
: been built before (so I can scream for help when I end up in the
: weeds).

: Most of my paddling has been SOT, although I paddle an Elaho (with
: the drop skeg, not the rudder) on a semi regular basis. If my
: wife is along, I end up in a Carolina 13. I really don't like
: the Carolina. Too short, too stable, and too loose a fit for me
: (too big for wife, which is why I end up in it). I really liked
: the Elaho, until I paddled the Tempest.

: I think what I may been experiencing was the first boat that
: actually fit me. I also paddled a Caribou, which seemed a bit
: stiff tracking to me. It may be that the Bou was just a bit big
: for me, so I don't know.

: My wife paddled a Suka, which she really liked (she also liked the
: Tempest).

: What I like about the Tempest (in addition to the fit) was that it
: went straight when I wanted to go straight, but when I wanted to
: adjust or turn, there was nothing to it. It just went right
: where I was thinking, like it could hear my thoughts. I dropped
: the skeg, just to play with it, but I didn't really need it (the
: wind was gusting over 20 by the time we were through, but we
: were in a bayou, so no waves to deal with). So, I pulled the
: skeg back up, and ran with just the hull.

: I couldn't work my nerve up to try the Suka. The hot pink deck was
: just a bit much for me. (Wife sure looked good in it though,
: really a nice fit).

I paddled the 165 in glass, the only 170 the dealer had was poly.

Actually I like the Caribou, though it is awfully large.

The Suka is really fun, but I'm way too heavy for it and it's pretty snug in the cockpit with me in it, wasn't designed for anyone my size.

If you stick to the big designers, I don't think you'll find a kit/plans for a boat that hasn't been built. There though are many people that think they are designers out there using CAD to design kayaks that have never been built, ask around here about any designs you might be interested in, there is a large experience base on this forum.

Bill H.