: I am thinking of building either a North Star or Shooting Star for my next
: stripper. I have quite a few boats so far and love my Outer Islands (2).
: Before I start building my next boat, I would love an opportunity to see a
: North Star or Shooting Star. I live in Northern California and will be
: visiting New England during the second and third week of July. I like the
: lower volume of the Shooting Star, but like the length of the North Star.
: I might take the Shooting Star design and stretch it a bit. Is there
: anybody that has one of these boats that I can see?? I would also love any
: feedback from people that have paddled these boats. Thanks!
: Ken

I have just finished building a North Star and I am sanding it to varnish today. I took it out for a test drive last Sat. I am a novice paddler but I have a T-canyon (whitewater) a RiverRunner (fast river/slow river) Walden Passage (bay/coastal). I paddle them all. I am 6" 250#.
I found the boat to be alittle tippy in 15 mile/hr winds. Nothing that a little practice and getting familiar with it won't cure. It came in at 42 lbs and I did not load it with anything for the test. I did not stay out long as I was only checking to see if it floats!!!. It goes for a good paddle after I get some varnish on. GOT MY FIRST SCRATCHES THOUGH!!!
It was a fun project to make for a man of no "shop" training. There are a few tricky parts but I had little problem working through them with the help of Rob Macks and everyone here at the forum.
I used 1/4 " strips that got sanded very well, they lost a lot of weight.
I used 3 oz satin weave fiberglass.
Hope this is help,
Dave