>>would a pair of Arctic Tern
: 14s be right for us, or would they be too unstable for a couple of
: novices.

: I'm 5'8", shoe size 8. My wife is 5'7", shoe size 7 1/2.

I'd say you're both perfect for the T14. I built one for my son three years ago, and it's the favorite boat of all the adults who have tried it. You'll both fit just fine. It WILL be livelier than what you've been in so far, but that's good, and it's not unstable or scary. Ours weighs 35 lbs. fully rigged, with bulkheads. Go for it!

--Scott