: Does anyone have a speed chart for an Avocet that I could compare
: with the one for a Night Heron on Nick's site?
:

Don't have a speed chart, but..... I have built both boats (The hull on my Artist2 design is essentially the Avocet) so here are my impressions:

The Night Heron and Avocet are intended for different size paddlers. The NH is intended for a paddler that is 200+ pounds. With a paddler weight under 200 pounds, the NH has significant drift in a cross wind due to the very flat bottom. The Avocet paddles best with a paddler weight somewhere near 150 pounds (120 to 200 is my guess).

The NH has less rocker and a longer waterline length than the Avoceet so it would tend to be faster, especially if there is no wind. NH efficiency is hurt by the semi-chined bottom, and rather blunt entry (bow wave), more wind resistance, and the previously mentioned drift problem. The Avocet has a more rounded hull and more rocker, so it is a more playful boat, but unsuitable for a 200+ pound paddler.

More on both boats on my website:
http://www.outdoorplace.org/paddling/

John