I am planning on building a microBootlegger for my Daughter and son in law.
The are smaller people 5' and 5'4" and a total of about 270#.

The concern is that the 27" beam and ~540# capacity are both bigger than needed. Height of the cockpit rim might also be higher than comfortable.

What is the concensus on reducing beam and height to better fit the kayak to the prospective owners?

I completely understand it would be safer to use the stock size and it would also be simpler. Not to mention an issue with resale when that happens. My ego makes me hope that won't happen for long enough for me to not be aware of it.

I was thinking about 2" less beam and 1.5" less height. Just a guess at what would give acceptable stability and adequate load carrying on a similar waterline.

Anyone?

Not as qualified as Nick to answer this but... I have been doing a lot of scaling on Delftship lately and could easily visualize printing the drawings at 90% and then keep the station spacing normal for a full length lower volume craft. I would not hesitate.