Greetings, forum users. This post considers several topics: kayaking, kayak-fitting and building.

I've recently decided that that I want to own a kayak rather than borrow or rent and, building one seems like something I can do. I'm still deciding on which kayak kit to get and, have a few questions regarding the ones that CLC Boats offers. I'm 5'6" and have been considering the following kits: Shearwater 14, Chesapeake 16LT and Chesapeake 16. I've tested a Shearwater 14 Hybrid (strip-built-deck version of the Shearwater 14) and a Chesapeake 16LT.

In testing the Shearwater, I liked the quick feel but, while paddling, I had to actively work to keep my paddle from hitting the sides of the boat. The cockpit did not really seem right for me, as the knee pads were farther forward than they should've been for someone my height. The boat was a little tippy from side to side while I paddled and, not happening to have a spray-skirt with me at the time, maybe a fear of water getting in over the sides was subconsciously causing my paddle to strike the boat. What do you think?

In testing the Chesapeake 16LT, the cockpit fit seemed perfect for me. The boat ride was less spirited than that of the Shearwater but, that's not a reason to cross it off my list for consideration. Maybe it was just as fast but didn't feel that way. What do you think?

If I decide to go with the touring boat (Chesapeake) over the sportscar (Shearwater), I might want to consider the next size up: the Chesapeake 16. It's essentially the same length, width and weight as the 16LT model but, with a taller deck, allowing for more cargo space (and more knee room for taller paddlers). Are there any ways that I can adjust the fit of this cockpit so that the boat works just as well for me as the 16LT does? I've seen a recessed cockpit build modification on another kit-made kayak. Would that be a good way, for a beginning builder like me, to make this boat fit me like the 16LT does?

Thanks for reading. Maybe you can answer some of my questions.

And sorry to Etienne for seeming to ignore the posts you made to my other thread, regarding cloth-free building. I wrote up the start of this thread before having seen the more recent posts you made. I'm still deciding on what I want to build.