Hi All:

I am interested in making a fast low volume day boat (strip built) that would be good for rolling and learning more Greenland techniques. Two boats I am looking at are the Outer Island and Bjorn Thomasson's Njord. Both are long, low volume boats boats with strong secondary stability but light on the primary.

I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has paddled a Njord and can give me some comments on the boat. I have read a lot about the OI so I have an idea of what to expect there. Not so with the Njord. Perhaps someone has used both the boats and can compare.

I would expect the Njord to be more manoeverable than the OI, as the designer recommends an adjustable skeg. The OI is known for its strong tracking. Not a problem for how I paddle. I am mostly concerned about stability. I have read a lot of good things about the stability of the OI, especially for a 21 inch wide boat. The Njord is only 20 inches wide though, and this concerns me despite the designer's statement about high secondary stability.

With the OI I pretty much know what I would be getting, but the Njord does look like a lovely boat and I am tempted to try it, but I would like to hear someone else's experience in it first.

Thanks for your help.

Ralph