: I'd like a small open canoe for tooling around calm water and
: fishing. I'n a 225 pound 6'2" paddler, so I can't go too
: tiny. There's a 3 three year old grandaughter too, so good
: initial stability is needed.

A few years ago I was asked to build a 13ft long double canoe for friend and his wife. I took a standard Prospector (16'-0" x 35") and basically scaled it down only in length. We kept the width and reduced the rocker slightly. It's a wonderful size for two people and little gear yet can still carry over 400 pounds. Robert and Jackie just love it.

My point: Consider scaling down a larger hull that you like.

Dan

http://clearstreamwood.com/WordPress/portfolio/canoes/2007-prospector-13-canoe