Hi,

I am about to order a set of plans from Nick, but want to make sure I get the right one.

I have mainly been looking at the Night Heron, and that may suit my needs (see below). But I love the look of the Aluetesque also. Both look fast and are similar size. I'm just wondering about stability...

In the stability charts on the website, it shows the NH as "dropping below the zero" at 40 degrees, whilst the Aluetesque drops at 45 degrees...however the NH has a much higher moment before it goes negative.

So what impacts stability more? Greater angle or higher moment is better? (I'm not a maths person so all the great stuff on the website explaining it didn't help!). A simple explanation would suffice...and perhaps a recommendation on which would be the better boat based on the needs below...

My main criteria are:

1. good speed - I usually paddle TK1 flatwater racing kayaks, so I like something fast. Use will mainly be rivers, lakes and bays for day trips. So low drag and efficient hull are important.

2. Stability - I'm pretty good with stability, but want something stable that I won't spend my energy on staying upright while paddling. So something more stable than a Mystery or a K1 sprint boat!

3. Suit a paddler 5'11" and 187 lbs.

Thanks in advance, help is much appreciated.

Regards,
Darren
Melbourne Australia