: Hi Todd
: The Chuckanut 15 would be ideal for your dad's size and usage, I'd
: say - a comfortable, 6' long cockpit, and considerably wider and
: more stable than anything else available in SOF.
: Check it out here: www.GentryCustomBoats.com

: And, there's no need to wait a year to finish another kayak - you
: could build several SOF boats in the next couple of months!
: Check out easy to build designs by me, Jeff (Kudzucraft.com), or
: Tom Yost (yostwerks.com).

: Good luck!

Thanks for all the responses guys. I'm going to run these past my dad to see what he thinks.

To answer some of the questions; my son's boat is a strip built 14' great auk which is nearly compelted, and mine will be a strip built North Star. Since I'm about 5 months into the Great Auk, I decided there is no chance to get the North Star done yet this winter too, and I don't want the build to tie up my summer months. So.....I thought a SOF for pop's would be a nice way to round out the winter months, then I can take all next winter on my North Star stripper.

I really like like the comfort level and versatility of the Chuckanut, but don't now if I care for the cockpit shape. Dave- Have you ever tried a more conventional shape cockpit on that boat? Also....is it a knucklebuster? My dad's only kayak experience is with a 30 inch wide plastic model that his neighbor has borrowed him a few times. He likes it, but says it's hard on his knuckle's.

I think from a styling point, he's going to like the Vardo better, but the Chuckanut would be nice for versatility. Anything out there that is a nice comprimise? Also....he'll be out paddling with my son and I regularily in our Great Auk and North Star, so would comfortable cruizing speed between something like a Chuckanut or Vardo be an issue for keeping up with us?