: I've read that the OI is a better tracker than the NH.
: Any advice appreciated.

I think the phrase "stronger tracker" would be more appropriate, as whether "stronger" or "more" tracking is "better" is a subjective issue. My NH stripper tracks just fine--just a tiny bit of yaw with each stroke, practically none if I pay attention to technique, and no wind-cocking (unless I sit or load cargo too far forward). In return for less than rail-like tracking, she turns on a dime--quite easily without a lean, and is incredibly agile with a lean. I have tried several other wooden kayaks (though I still haven't tried the OI yet), and quite frankly, compared to my NH, the others all felt like barges compared to the roadster feel of my NH. (Let me repeat: I haven't tried the OI, so this is NOT a knock on the OI's performance--in fact, I've heard that the OI handles nicely, too, as I'm sure you will learn from other posts.)Those others, of course, have all been described by others as "strong trackers".

Another purely subjective criterion is looks. Personally, I happen to like the overal look of the NH's shape compared to the OI. Below is a not so great picture of my NH next to an OI at this year's Meet at the Beach. Not the best view of either boat, but a slight basis for comparison of their relative shapes. Basically, I find the OI to be a bit more angular, flatter-decked, with slightly less sweep to the bow and stern and less rocker.

Either way you go, good luck, and enjoy.

Roger Turgeon
Orr's Island, ME