Thank you all for the encouraging words. I know I am not the only not professional builder.
I also made a lot of mistakes in the build of the Night Heron (http://www.ddaniels.com) but in paddling you will not notice those flaws.

ET the poplar looks nice in the Night Heron. Before glassing I will seal it to overcome the problem of different absorption rates.
In 2008 I bought enough poplar boards for building three kayaks for € 170.--. I did not want the price for the WRC which was more than € 400.-- for one boat. So I will do with the poplar.

I am only 5 ft. 6 so will fit perfectly in the Fire Star. May be I could better have chosen the North Star because of the overweight but we will see.
Never thought about a paddling holiday in Ireland. I am not an ocean- or sea paddler. Always paddle on the lakes and canals in Friesland and in summer on the rivers and lakes in Germany.
But is in not very far away. May be in the future. It also depends on my kayak friend.

Pictures of my kayak tours and de Night Heron build are to be seen on http://www.ddaniels.com
The text of the tours is in Dutch but google will translate it in google English with is to understand with a little bit effort.

Greetings from the Netherlands

Daan Daniels

Pit stop on the road to Berlin

All the luggage. Will it fit inside?

Yes

The Night Heron in Germany near Berlin

After dinner