For the last few years I have been paddling a Chesapeake 17lt and am having fun with it. I primarily day paddle in large lakes, but have been known to take it out for a little surfing. In anticipation of building a fully stripped boat, I routed off the deck of my Chessie and stripped it. I love it. For the stripper, I want a fun day boat and have been thinking about the Guillemot 17 (which I still think has the prettiest lines of any kayak I have seen) and the Night Herron. There is a lot of talk as to how they compare (night herron is faster and a "tighter" boat). It appears that most people prefer the Night Herron (including Nick). What I was wondering is if the differences are substantial or are people just splitting hairs. I am by no means an expert paddler, and coming from the Chessie, both boats will be vastly different. I guess for all that are paddling the Guillemot 17, are you still happy with your boat, and would you build it again? Thanks.

Ray