Don't do this, Puppet. This is a Leper Colony and they all say the same thing about boat building. Starting down this path is like lowering yourself into the exhaust vent over a restaurant's broiler; it's a one way journey with no help till the weekend's over.

Okay, I'll stop.

Your questions:

: I'm new to building and love the look of the new S&G Night Heron. For my
: first effort I plan to buy a kit and put it together this winter.

: 1. Is this boat suitable for rivers and lakes with moderate chop?

Yes.

: 2. Would this boat fit my 6'3" 185 pound frame? Size 13 feet?

Whoa, help Mr. Wizard, uh, Nick. Maybe Mike is on line. He's been building a carbonized version of this boat and should know the answer to this one.

: 3. Could this boat handle gear for weekend camping trips?

Yes

: 4. Could I, as a first time builder, put a boat together with the
: multi-stained, puzzle look?

If you have any reasonable level of woodworking skill, a few well-chosen tools along with patience, the ability to follow directions and the willingness to quiz this forum if and when you get into a jam... Yes, you can do the project.

: 5. Any other thoughts?

Get your kit and get working, bro. Spring will be on you before you know it and the boat will take you on adventures of the coolest kind.

: Thanks for your help!

Sure. It's really fun building boats and it's quite likely that you'll be back for seconds. This process has a way of infecting the soul with a fullness not typically experienced by other hobbie craft projects.

Chris