: Has anyone out there had the chance to paddle both Jay Babina's Outer Island
: and Nicks Shade's(17'x21") Guillemot? I've narrowed it down to these
: two for this winters project and any information will be greatly
: appreciated. I had the opportunity to paddle both boats at the '99 Newfound Rendezvous. So you know better how to interpret my impressions let me tell you I'm 5'3" and weigh 128 lbs. I think I'm closer to being an intermediate paddler than a beginner. My boat is an Anus Acuta.

I found Jay's boat needed a few more strokes to turn it than I'm used to. He felt it was too big a boat for me. Nick's boat was so sensitive to my strokes that I felt it was 'thinking' about turning every time I took one. Then I tried the Night Heron and it was just right! It tracks well, turns easily, and is low volume. Just what I was looking for. Although I'd enjoy paddling either of the other two boats (they're all great - the differences aren't exaggerated - and it would be fun to try them in different conditions) I hope to have a Night Heron completed in time for spring paddling.

I don't know how much this will help you. There's a lot to be said for trying out boats for yourself. After all, the Night Heron is Nick's favorite design and his size and paddling skills are much different than mine.