A couple of questions……

[Rusty Carter]

6 foot 205 lbs paddler.  
 

This will be my first kayak, I’m convinced about SOF and very familiar with tools, the idea of this build is not intimidating at all.  
 

I will be paddling the small rivers and large creeks around Middle TN mostly with the idea that eventually I will get some time on the lakes and slightly faster rivers in a wider area. 
 

Question 1 - What designs would you recommend for me?

 

Question 2 - Of the two books, which should I start with?

[Scott Pettigrew]

1 hour ago, Rusty Carter said:

6 foot 205 lbs paddler.  
 

This will be my first kayak, I’m convinced about SOF and very familiar with tools, the idea of this build is not intimidating at all.  
 

I will be paddling the small rivers and large creeks around Middle TN mostly with the idea that eventually I will get some time on the lakes and slightly faster rivers in a wider area. 
 

Question 1 - What designs would you recommend for me?

 

Question 2 - Of the two books, which should I start with?

 

Rusty,

I believe the books are roughly the same, except they have different designs/plans.  While you could build a kayak just from the book, it's better to buy plans from https://www.kudzucraft.com/web/shop so you have the full-size patterns.  Also, when buying the plans, they come with an instruction book that contains much of what's in the books.

 

Regarding which boat, I'm about 40 lbs lighter than you, but my Vardo is very spacious and would likely work well. 

[Kudzu]

Here you go  https://www.kudzucraft.com/web/which-boat-should-i-build

 

VARDO has been extremely popular with first timers. Good all around boat but for me the interior volume is just to large. But that is what beginners like.

 

I prefer a boat that my knees touch the deck because as your skills increase you learn to turn the boat with you hips as much as the paddle. Being able to wedge yourself in the boat makes this much easier. It is not so tight you are locked in. Matter of fact if you flip on purpose you will tend to slide out.

[Hirilonde]

3 hours ago, Kudzu said:

Matter of fact if you flip on purpose you will tend to slide out.

Untli/unless you learn to roll, and use a skirt, that is a good thing.