Hi guys, I have been paddling for a few years now in borrowed boats and now it's time to buy my own. I have mostly paddled Australian made Pittaraks and a few different plastic boats. I'm 6'3'' tall and 90kgs so I find I get a bit cramped in a key hole cockpit boat like a pittarak but I have found most of the plastic boats to be slow pigs that are hard to turn. I understand a small amount of "tech talk" but please keep it simple. I need a boat that's fairly quick and still manouverable, has ample storage for a week long expedition, a large-ish cockpit and can handle rough seas. I plan on using it to paddle from mainland Australia to Tasmania across Bass Strait. I am looking at a Delta Fifteen-5 but am a little concerned about its speed, or a Delta Seventeen. Any and all comments/suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mick.

Mick, I have no recommendations on boats, other than to suggest that the key to having a boat that can handle rough seas is to have someone in the cockpit who can handle rough seas. The skills and strength of the padddler are 95% of the rough seas equation. Good luck in your plan to cross Bass Strait to Tasmania, but make sure you've read lots of Sea Kayaker Safety/What Went Wrong articles before you put off from shore.

Mick, here's all you have to know for a boat that fits your requirements. Current Designs Sirocco. Or if composite works better for you--Current Designs Gulfstream. Now if you really want the ultimate boat, you might want to look at what I just got myself for Christmas--an NC Kayaks Expedition. Take a look--www.cdkayaks.com and http://www.nckayaks.com.

Am 6'6" and 105kg. Been paddling a Perception Eco-Behzig (poly) for about 5 years and am very happy with it. Great for the big paddler. I think they are called Mission now in Australia. Good luck.