Thanks for the designs, Uncle Nick! I still haven't managed a 'test paddle', but I did get CLC to stop for a bit on their drive through 'fly over' country, returning to Maryland after the Port Townsend WBS. They unloaded a S&G NightHeron, and It is a lovely, low-volume boat - a real contrast to the C17LT I'm familiar with. Couldn't get in til I took my size 10.5 tennis shoes off - but what a nice fit. I got a gander of the Shearwater 16 and 17, would love to paddle one, but seeing them 'in the flesh' was a treat in itself.