: Hi, I'm new here. I have already built a Shearwater 17 S&G, and a
: Shearwater Hybrid. I'd like to build a full-strip for my next
: kayak.
: I really like the Shearwaters. What I WISH I could do is build a
: Strip Version of a Shearwater 17. If I had thought of it, I
: might have been able to create templates for forms while the
: deck forms were in the hull of the Hybrid, but I threw them out.

: Today, I demoed A Petrel and a Hi-Deck Night Heron in Yonkers. I
: would have liked to have tried the "standard" Night
: Heron, but they didn't seem to have one. The area to paddle in
: was limited, and crowded, so I didn't get a chance to try them
: at "sprint" pace. To my surprise, the Petrel seemed to
: have more initial stability than the Heron,
: and I was expecting the opposite. I am 5'8", 155 lbs, and some
: have advised me that I'm a little light for the Night Heron. It
: seemed very jiggly. I definitely like the Petrel better- very
: maneuverable, but it almost seemed like the slightest thing
: "maneuvered" it!

: Does anyone know of a design that would closely resemble a
: Shearwater in characteristics? Fine bow entry, fairly hard
: chines, fast cruiser, fairly good stability? Thanks

According to the designer the Petrel has extra rocker which would tend to give it better stability but reduced tracking. Unlike stitch and glue, a strip boat can be modified so you can, if you wish, built it with less rocker; on any kayak or canoe that would reduce maneuverability. A skeg would improve tracking without changing stability but may result in difficulty paddling in a strong crosswind. The designer could advise better on how these changes would affect a specific design.