: It seems that most builders on this board have chosen the Guillemot model.
: However, the Night Heron has great lines, and Nick states that it is his
: current favorite.

: Just wondering---why do people seem to prefer the Guillemot? If anyone has
: built the Night Heron, what is your opinion (difficulty of building,
: handling, any hands-on comparison to the Guillimot)? Thanks.

As to why lots of people pick the G17, its offsets are included in Nicks book which most of us have. It also has offsets for the Auk and a double Auk as well.

I got to paddle both the Heron and the G17 at this years Wooden Boat Show in Mystic thanks to Nicks generosity for maybe 5 minutes each during some non-calm conditions. Initial impression was that the Heron was a bit tippier, seemed to track nicer and was maybe a bit roomier in the feet, knees department. You should check Nicks info about which has more leg room in the cockpit. The G17 turned a bit quicker. Both are fine looking and performing.

Either are great boats. The NH might be a bit faster too.

I think it may come down to looks a little bit or whether you want to strecth the G17 to 18 ft to gain a bit more length and tracking ability. Guess you could scale the NH to make it a bit wider too to gain some stability. The NH was definitely not unstable, just required a bit more attension since I was only in it for 5 minutes. Plus I normally paddle a Chessie 18 at 24" wide. I was doing carved turns however during my tryout with no real problems.

The G17 also has been around the longest as the NH was added sometime during the past 9-12 months or so to Nicks lineup.

Hope this helps, Pete Czerpak albany, NY