: I am thinking of building either a North Star or Shooting Star for my next
: stripper. I have quite a few boats so far and love my Outer Islands (2).
: Before I start building my next boat, I would love an opportunity to see a
: North Star or Shooting Star. I live in Northern California and will be
: visiting New England during the second and third week of July. I like the
: lower volume of the Shooting Star, but like the length of the North Star.
: I might take the Shooting Star design and stretch it a bit. Is there
: anybody that has one of these boats that I can see?? I would also love any
: feedback from people that have paddled these boats. Thanks!

: Ken

<< Mega dittoes. I also live in NorCal (SF Bay), have the plans and instrux for the Shooting Star (the sexiest design out there right now, imho, right up there with Nick's Night Heron) and would love to hear from anyone involved in the stripper baidarka thing. I chose the Shooting Star because of its much lower volume (vs. the North Star, which is a real expedition boat) and handy length. I don't think speed will be a problem: the low wetted area should make it quite fast, and 16 feet is about as long as I want, since I've got wind-wave surfing in mind, here on the Bay. My Coho (17' 6") is a handful when it really gets going down a wave, whereas my boy's Tern 14 is completely tractable--and just as fast for casual cruising. Ken: where are you? Are we neighbors?

--Scott