I am 5' 10" 145lbs building the 18' 6" high volume North Star. Have never paddled anything like it. Is there a way to determine the "exact spot" for my best balance in this boat before I build it .... big or small. So far I have only had 2 points of reference: the designers specs (which look good) and my "cross" checking of this point by verifying that this placement is in what appears to be the widest spot of the hull. Although this is an interesting thing on the north star as it caries more of its volume forward than do other designs (I am told and thats how it looks). I understand what you meant in your explanation and it has helped me. I am just wondering if there is another way to deal with this "balance" issue than having to leave "wiggle" room by making the cockpit of a size that will allow more than the minumum LATER adjustment. I am a building contractor so I understand that there may be no way to know what the "real" balance point for me/boat will be until I am in it paddling. But if there is a better method of finding the "correct" position of the cockpit in this boat for me than I have mentioned (and someone can give me a "clue") then I sure would like to try and adjust it as "closely" as possible now.

Joe