: 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.

I'd stick with the 17 , more room for your gear on those over nighters and a bit speedier while on the water. Staying with the 17 foot design lets you carry much more stuff.
Tony Olsen