It's that time again - time to consider a new design/build.
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Boats I've considered - 1) Petrel 2) Night Heron 3) Outter Island 4) King 5) Storm or Expedition 6) also intrigued by FireStar
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Any other considerations?..........

I have an Outer Island- just now came back from paddling it, actually. It's a lovely boat that always gets compliments on the water. That said, I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner or paddler who was developing general skills. In my hands the OI is a pretty straight-tracking boat without a very 'firm' feel when it is leaned. It does slide through the water very easily.
My recommendation would be for a bit shorter boat for a learner.
Even though the paddler is 220#-ish, I'd also avoid 'Expedition'-style boats, which are often recommended for larger paddlers. If the boat is going to be used for day paddles and learning, a 'normal' size boat will probably be more suitable.(IMO).
You should definitely add Brian Hansel's Siskiwit boats to your list (IMO) - I had a good look at the Siskiwit plans (which I bought) when I was building my 'Brit boat' and you can see the 'family resemblance' to boats like the Romany and NDK Explorer. I like the flattish sides on that style of boat as they seem to inspire confidence for edging. I've seen a couple of people who couldn't really 'force themselves' to put the boat on edge until they got into a Romany.
http://www.paddlinglight.com/articles/free-siskiwit-bay-kayak-plans-for-backyard-builders/
http://www.paddlinglight.com/articles/siskiwit-lv-sea-kayak-plans/

Something about winter and New Years that seems to inspire building plans, I think! I'm looking at that pile of strips in the rack......
;-)