: With the recent talk of a long distance trip I've noticed that I
: don't really own an expedition kayak, mine are all day boats.
: Looking around at the designs I had the thought that Rob's North
: Star might be a good choice for this. Has nearly plumb ends so
: no wasted length above the water and looks like decent volume
: for packing. Anyone think this isn't a good choice?

: Bill H.

Hi Bill

I only have good things to say about the NS. It also responds predictably to load shifting, so loading gear could be used with intent for the expected conditions. Better than the drag from rudders or skegs.

As designed it also has plenty of freeboard and is a dry boat. Nice for touring, especially river touring where one would want to explore ashore from time to time, if you want to get in dry and get out dry, without the hastle of wet-gear. I mostly go out in whatever I am wearing, spend a couple of hours on the
water, and then go home perfectly dry and carry on with the day.

The boat is also extremely forgiving in rough conditions, although I am not sure that is an issue here.

I wrote a performance review a year or so ago on the NS which may give some insight. Only my opinions though.

http://etiennemuller.com/northstar/NSperformancereview.html

Final note, I reduced the cockpit size from that on the plans (see picture). My cockpit is 15.5 inches wide by 22 inches long and egg shaped. This cockpit size is, in my opinion, perfect for this boat. Note though that in the plans there is space between the seat back and the coaming, which I eliminated. No layback rolls fort my boat.

In the second picture you can see the fulness in the bow.

It is a fun boat to build.

All the best

Etienne