I learned so much from all the replies to my last post, and from reading other threads that I thought I'd risk asking for more advice. I have a feeling there are a few folks willing to share opinions. :-)

My wife and I had a long paddle in a pair of Venture Easky15 kayaks. They are 15.5 feet long, 24" beam.

We were both able (as relative neophytes) to get around just fine. Both of us had comfort issues with the seat. I don't know if it was poor adjustment, poor seat design, or using muscles in new ways. As far as "tippyness" (I'm sure there is a correct term) we were fine. As far as length, to our newbies selves the kayaks seemed long and fast enough, and if we were to guess, we would opt for 15' or shorter, rather than longer.

She is 5' 9" and weighs in at 130ish. (I am under a strict non-disclosure agreement over the exact number). Her height is in her legs.

I am 5'8" and will confess to 160lbs, though I've been in the 190s in the past. I'm 5'8, and have short legs for my height.

So... it has been suggested by many/most that we pursue the used market for first kayaks. Unfortunately, the used market locally seems to be very sporadic, and I feel it would only be luck that would bring us a set of kayaks that would suit us well. I feel that what we want is somewhere near the point where recreational kayak meets day touring.

I've decided that at this point I'm not willing to put in the hours that a strip build kayak would require, primarily because I don't want to put in that much work and then outgrow my kayak. So, I'm strongly considering building a pair of S&G craft. Of Nicks designs, to my under-educated mind, the Petrel Play seems a good choice for us. I've taken a look at the Pygmy boats, but the ones that seem most suited are only available in kits, not as plans, and I would much prefer building from plans than a kit.

Of course, tomorrow could bring a Craigslist listing of the perfect set of kayaks, but in the last month, there really has been very little to catch our interest.

Thanks much -- Paul