I've been thinking for some time about my next build and am at
present leaning towards either a Night Herron or an Outer Island.
I have looked at a number of comments from OI builders who all
seem delighted with the design.

However, they all seem to have used a fairly heavy lay up, ie:- 6oz inside
and out, doubled up on the football, and ending up with fairly heavy boats,
45lb plus. I don't go rock scrambling, (no rocks) lots of sand and mud.

For this reason I am looking to do a light lay up, 4oz glass and as little
resin as it takes. (No I'm not tight!!).
Does anyone have any experience of these two designs in a light build to
comment on, compare, or throw in other designs I should be looking at
as well.

I am looking for something flexible as far as load is concerned, as they
will be used by my two sons and I, weight range, 170lb - 225lb.
(No I'm the smallest of the three of us. Shrinking with age!) on rivers
and open sea. I know they will cope with my sons' weights, but are these two
going to be too big for my weight. I'm not planning long trips with loads of gear.

I have one 17ft and one 15ft 6" Guillemot at the moment, and love them both.
Have a stack of strips already cut in the garage and feel like a different challenge.
I like a narrow boat with reasonable tracking. I'll lean when I want to turn.
17 - 18ft is as long as I have space to build.

Suggestions please.

Les C.