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After 2+ years of on again/off again efforts, we launched 'Peapod' this August as a triple. We took her out on a Vermont Lake and on a tidal river and ocean (Buzzard's Bay, MA). Smooth cadillac ride, even in chop or larger waves. Wind had some effect, mostly when trying to turn across and into it. 21 feet long tracks well, turns like an aircraft carrier, even with the rudder. Best trips seemed to be with maximum load of passengers/weight, just like a cadillac...We had as many as two adults and 5 kids in her (middle cockpit opening design was modified to an oval opening). fun ride, lots of admiring looks and GREAT satisfaction out of building it myself. Boat is easy to build with little skill and materials (wood, epoxy, fiberglass) make it simple to repair mistakes or modify it in anyway during, or post construction. Working on completing the sail rig kit but not looking like it will be usable this fall...looking forward to multi-day excursions in this for years to come!

After much waffling (several years) of borrowing boats for day recreation and several day camping trips, my wife and I purchased the Pamlico Excel, used - we picked it up for @ $600.00 with 1 float bag and a new seat tossed in. Bottom was scratched up and keel had a few 'curves' from sitting on the rack but it floated good and was easy for us to paddle together or solo. The front seat slides back to the middle for solo paddling. We then purchased the rudder kit which I installed myself. Easy to do and much cheaper then having a shop do it. We have used it extensively on a variety of waters: ocean waves, small ponds and smoother rivers. What has been best about it is the open cockpit so we can take our one year old daughter along. She loved watching the paddle strokes and touching the wet paddle. Also watching people and wildlife along the shore and in the water.

Plenty of room to spread out in (I'm 6' 4"), carry tons of stuff (literally the SUV of kayaks) yet still paddles well fully loaded. Suprisingly stable, even in waves and wind. Downside is the weight. I could barely load/unload the boat from our car roof by myself, a bit easier with my wife's help. With a combination of an easy lift system and a kayak cart, there would be no problem.

Additional fun has been had downwind sailing with an old octagonal tent fly held up between two paddles - yea-hah!

Next up will be the addition of an outrigger/mast and sail system (I have an old windsurfer sail and mast ready to go...)

Bottom line - great boat if you need tons of room, carrying capacity, versatility and no concern about scratching/denting. That being said, be prepared for the weight... Looks and feels like a combination of a kayak and canoe with better features from both.