: Nicely written Rob,

: I too live on a river so understand the whole thing. We don't use
: it often too much powerboat traffic. Since we also have a small
: lake we use it much more often and it's wake limited.

: So...how do you like the boat?

The Night Heron is a sweet ride, Bill. Mine is the S&G version and, from what I have heard about the strip version, not quite as nice as it could be if it were a stripper: she has a tad less primary than it would otherwise. Secondary stability is dependable, meaning when startled, I won't have to try to roll unexpected. There is enough volume under the deck for me to install my camera storage compartment. Instead of installing it a couple of inches behind and under the coaming as I did for the VJ (my WD Lightning 17), I will set it back about 10-12 inches to keep it away from my knees thus making entry a little less painful. I really appreciate the lower rear deck, when I head out this fall to try to roll it, I know this feature will be a big help. I have managed to keep the weight of the Night Heron below 30 lbs so she is easy to toss on the roof rack of my car. I still have to add some graphite to the bottom and clean up the deck varnish with some sanding and recoating so I figure I will have to add a pound or two of extra but necessary weight. This kayak remains my play kayak...been waiting to get a nice storm blowing through and a day off so that I can see how she does on the waves. She was easy to build and she is really easy to paddle...turns so easily that I am thinking of taking her on the near-frozen river just to mess "around" the ice. I don't think I want to run her over the ice though, that would grind the keels to mash and she has a light build and probably doesn't have the strength to survive some of the bashing that the ice can hand out. I often get comments of appreciation from folks when they see the lines of the NH...less so for the VJ and that is cool, I love talking to folks about building. Linda hates when that happens because she knows that when I start talking kayak...she might as well go for a coffee somewhere and come back when she is done...I'll still be talking.

Robert N Pruden