: 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.

No one buy yourself can pick your boat for you. It's a fairly long project, specially the first one, I'd recommend one that's fairly simple in design, some are pretty but can be a challenge for the first boat. Pick one you really like the looks of, you'll be staring at it endlessly for months, it's easier if it's pretty to you :)

Bill H.