: Dan, I built a Ch18 for 250-325lb guys when I was teaching sea
: kayaking. If you want lots of stability, room and carrying
: capacity it'll do but I wouldn't pick it if your river trip
: requires maneuverability. If you're 6'6" and 250lbs I could
: see it being a better choice than the 17. I have heard of
: someone making a Ch17 in 6mm but it weighed about 75lbs. With
: 6mm ply you could simply glass the exterior of the hull and 4oz
: on the deck to reduce water staining. You really don't need
: anything bigger than the Ch17 but if you built the 18 you could
: easily carry an extra 175lbs, it's design is simply a
: consequence of making a 18' Chesapeake, not that there was a
: demand from 275lb paddlers.
Thanks Lee ! For now I will try to build a Ch16 out of ordinary plywood and hopefully my feet will rest directly on the bulkhead padded with minicell. If this works out, later on I'll try to modify the deck of a Shearwater17, this probably being a more suitable kayak for an advanced paddler.
Thanks !
Dan.