Adrian,

Roger here. I'm flattered that my boat inspired you in some way. I went with the lower foredeck because Nick felt that was all I needed in terms of my size (5'8", 160, size 8 shoes) and I wanted the lower/sleeker look, but I kept the standard (higher) aft deck to have just a bit more storage capacity out back. The higher version also has more roundness too it--the lower versions, espcially the real "Greenland" version, are much flatter. Not a huge difference--there is only maybe an inch of height difference if I recall. The amount of "rake" from the front of the cockpit to the back is not as steep as in a traditional Greenland style boat, but there is still a lot more rake than in most commercial boats (or other non-Greenland wooden designs). At design weight, the rear deck is still only about 3 inches above water line.

I don't recall exactly where I made the transition, but I don't think it maters too much. When you do the cockpit recess, you'll probably be cutting a wide enough opening that you dip down below the point where even the lower rear deck would be.

Here is a pic of my NH from the side, to show the transition courve. I'd be happy to send you more pics, or a link to my boat building album, by private e-mail (Shutterfly won't let me send a link to htis forum, as far as I can tell). Just give me you e-mail address. Mine is RDT@TurgeonLawFirm.com.

Good Luck with your build. And ENJOY it.

Roger Turgeon
Orr's Island, ME

: Hello,

: I was just wondering if anyone who had built a Night Heron has decided to
: transition from a low front deck to a high rear deck (I've read on an old
: post that someone was thinking about doing this) ? I've decided that this
: is the way I would like to go with my Night Heron project. I am wondering
: at which form should I transfer from the low deck form height to the high
: deck form height. By looking at the plans, my best guess is that FORM 9
: should be my last low deck form and FORM 10 should be my first high deck
: form.

: Any ideas?

: Thanks for all the help,

: Adrian