I am about to embark on building my first strip-built kayak, almost certainly one of the Guillemot designs. I'm mostly considering the Guillemot, Guillemot S, and the Night Heron, and would love to be able to "test paddle" one of each before I start. With such a time commitment, I want to be sure I'll be happy with the performance of the boat I build.

FYI, I am 5' 8" and about 160 pounds (male), and quite athletic. I have been kayaking for 3 years, and my boat is a Kevlar "QCC 600 XL", just under 17', 21" beam, with a hull shape much like the Razor Billed Auk. I'm happy with the boat's performance, though it suffers from quite a bit of weather-cocking because of its high volume. Some have suggested it might be a bit big for me. I plan to keep it, especially for the multi-day camping trips, so the stripper will be for day trips and possibly short camping trips.

Suggestions for "the right boat" for me would be appreciated, but mostly I wonder if anyone within about 100 miles of Boston might be willing to allow me to test-paddle their own boats so I can feel for myself how each boat performs. I would be very grateful.

Thanks.

Roger