It's not just the cockpit fit that has to be considered. The boat has to be burdened enough to sink it to something close to it's designed waterline. A big boat with too little in it will sit high in the water, could feel tippy and may be unduely effected by the wind. I think a 17 footer is not in the cards unless it is somethag that is very low volume.

: I am looking to build my first boat later this year. I'd like something 17
: feet, plus, that's responsive. I've admired the Night Heron on paper,
: never paddled it, and think either the stitch and glue or strip built
: versions would be fun to try. I have several questions.

: 1. I'm 5-8 and about 130. The Night Heron specs indicate the lower end
: paddler size at 150. Will I have a decent fit in this boat? (I paddle a
: Romany LV that is pretty close to perfect size wise, but still slightly
: loose in hips and thigh braces.)If not, can it be modified? Or what are
: better options?

: 2. I have never built a boat before, have limited construction experience,
: but really want to try this. I'm looking for a week-long (or longer) boat
: building class with an excellent patient teacher so I can learn, build,
: and go home with my basically finished boat. Is anyone aware of
: somewhere/someone in the Southeast US that will teach Guillemot or CLC
: kits, in particular Night Heron? I know there's Annapolis, but was
: thinking further South if possible.