Looking for a stitch and glue design as a first build. Time and $ preclude strip built for now. I was at a CLC demo day a few weeks ago and the Chesapeake 18 fit me well but to be honest I can't get past the looks. The CLC guys recommended the Merganser, and Eric recommended the 18wide for me. I am 6'4" tall and 275 presently, size 12 shoe. I am a fairly inexperienced paddler, but will like with this kayak a couple years. I will be paddling in the Gulf waters in South Florida. I like the idea of a boat I can grow into but need sufficient initial stability to facilitate learning. I need to be able to handle rough conditions when winds kick up, and to carry a fair amount of gear. I was at the launch of the Everglades Challenge a week ago and want to be able to do the challenge in a kayak.

The Merganser is billed as a "low to medium" volume boat but I assume the 18W would swallow a bit of gear. What about the 19' Baidarka? As I began to read about the design it seemed like a kayak designed to move heavy loads through rough seas. I like the looks of both of these designs. I am open to any other suggestions as well. If memory serves me correctly I did a search for "Merganser" on the board here and there was one or two in Sarasota? I'd love to see one!