I am looking to build a fast kayak for exercise and recreational racing. Primary use will 1-4 hour workout paddles in larger North Florida rivers and streams. As a secondary use, I hope to start participating in some of the state’s many recreational races (most 6-12 miles long). The challenge is that most of the “racing” designs like the Mystery are optimized for folks that are heavier and stronger. I am 5’7” and weigh 155#. If the published Kaper drag data for the Chesapeake 17 and Petrel Play is to be believed, my motor can generate 6# thrust for one hour or 5# for three plus hours.

So far, the only design that I have found that is optimized for my size is the CLC Pax 18. The build would be quick/easy and I have no doubt that it would be a fair amount faster than my Ch17LT. The only problem is that I am not terribly excited about doing another S&G build that looks so much like the two Chesapeakes that are already in my garage.

Another option is the Razor Billed Auk. It is a great looking boat and should be a viable first strip build. I am just inside the recommended paddler weight (150-220) but this appears to be a lot more kayak than I need. Performance wise, it is longer/heavier than the Pax and I suspect a bit slower. On the plus side, it is far better looking.

A third option which I just stumbled onto is the Bjorn Thomason Panthera. I like the specs, description and looks of this boat, but other than that have found very little information.

Questions:
1. Any suggestions regarding other designs that I should consider?
2. Anybody that has paddled both the Pax 18 and the RBA? I would love to hear a first-hand direct comparison.
3. Would it be viable to modify the RBA so that it is better suited to someone my size? I am thinking of a mini-RBA shortened to about 18’ but the same width. Could I do this by merely decreasing the spacing between the forms? Is there any way to predict the resulting performance?
4. I have read the Panthera prototype launch report posted here last fall. Is there any additional info that can be shared? Is the build suitable for a first time strip builder?
5. Any other thoughts, comments or suggestions?
Thanks for your help.