I know this is a very common question. I have read just about everything on the internet about strip building kayaks in the last three weeks or so in an attempt to decide A) whether I want to build one and B) which one. "A" has been answered, now on to B. First, a little about me.

1.) I'm 6'4" and weigh 175lbs. Size 11 1/2 feet. My wife and I have been kayaking for a grand total of about 2 months so our skills are minimal but time and effort will take care of that. I am now using a 13' Necky Manitou which I like a lot for what it is. We live in Calvert county, MD between the Patuxent river and the Chesapeake bay so the water is fairly big and flat. I foresee much day tripping, a fair amount of overnight camping and misc recreational paddling. I don't foresee me or my wife heading out into big waves for fun (See Nick Schade vids on youtube) but I want to be able to handle them if they come up.

2) Whatever hobby I get involved in (there have been many) ends up with me building something. First Banjos, then RC airplanes, Guitars, etc. I have been building things out of wood off and on for 30 years and have a pretty well equipped wood shop. The building process is a huge attraction and not the least intimidating.

So, knowing the paddling we like to do and want to do, I think I have narrowed my search down to three boats.

1. Night Heron High Deck - On the plus side, I find this to be a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing boat and that is important to me. Great lines. Another big plus is that I am only about 30 minutes from CLC in Annapolis and I do like to support local businesses. Being able to bop in there and ask questions in person is a biggie. They are very nice and easy about sharing knowledge. From all my reading it is apparent that a lot of people find the boat "lacking in tracking" and in fact it seems to me that all of the Guillemot boats are designed to be great fun in big waves as a primary design point. After watching Nick's videos I can understand this. Looks like that is the kind of paddling he is into. I find lots of people adding skegs to them though experience, skilled paddlers seem to be able to handle them just fine.

2. Outer Island - This one has a similar aesthetic appeal. Pretty boat. From what everyone says it is the functional opposite of the Night Heron. Tracks like a train. Turns like one too. Carries plenty for camping trips but maybe not for full blown expeditions.

3. Redfish King - To me, the asymmetrical plan form is less appealing than the other two. The long nose an short wide back deck are not as pretty. Everything else about it sounds like it is about half way between the other two in function. It tracks very well but also turns well on edge. It handles waves well. You can pack a weeks worth of stuff in it if you want. Sounds like this might be the best bet for an all around day tripping/touring/occasionally playing around boat. Other than looks, this might be my best choice.

So, those who know, those who are not sick of this question, how about these three boats. Am I close to on track with my hands off assessments? Others I should consider? I am going to actually paddle a night heron this evening so that should shed some more light.