Hi,

Night Heron if you heel it 39 degrees it'll pop back upright but if you heel it 41 degrees it will capsize.

The moment is the force in which the kayak tries to righten itself. For NH this is about two times more than in the Aleutesque. It means NH will feel much more stable and Aleutesque will heel with very little effort.

So, Aleutesque feels very tippy and NH much more stable. Could you handle the Aleutesque? I can't say it, but Nich himself has said it's challenging kayak.

: 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