: I'm 6'1", 200# with size 11's, so my dimensional requirements
: were pretty close to yours. And I came down to two of your three
: choices, the King and the Night Heron (though the OI certainly
: belongs in that company). I ultimately chose the NH, and it was
: a combination of its looks, and its efficiency that made up my
: mind. To me, it looks low and sleek and fast just sitting still.
: And that's how people say it paddles too. I am building the hi
: deck version so that I have foot room for shoes, so that I can
: put stuff up under the deck between the thigh braces, and also
: to carry more stuff for camping. After reading the posts about
: the tracking, I decided to do what some others have done, and
: add a 3/4" high (or deep, as it were) keel to the back
: 30" of the hull. I figure that will keep her straight in
: crosswinds, but won't interfere with a leaned turn. I've built
: and glassed the outside of the deck, and I'm building the
: coaming lip now...

The Night Heron is definitely sexy. I paddled the High Deck version yesterday. I can tell you two things you will love about the it beyond the looks. It accelerates instantly and it turns on a dime. I am still considering building one and adding a retractable skeg for when I want it to track.

How far along are you in your build?