I plan on building my first boat this year. I have decided to build a Great Auk. I am looking for opinions regarding boat length. I am 5'9" and 175 lbs. I have mostly paddled ( in 11 and 13 foot singles, or a 16 foot double, plastic boat ).. on rivers, streams, and lakes of various sizes. I am now retired and will have time to expand the scope of my paddling locations, as well as the time on the water, i.e. 1 to 3 night trips. Based on what I have done thus far, and what I may do in the future, I am looking for opinions about which length boat to build, the 14' or 17', . I hope I have stayed within the scope of the forum.....Thank you in advance for any opinion.