I am curious. I am considering building a S&G Night Heron. What purpose does the upswept tail serve? What would be the ramifcations of lowering this "sweep" by 1". What about the front?
Look at this kayak:
See the more gentle sweep of the bow and stern?
I know the sherwater is more like this, but they don't come in 18'. Just random thoughts. I know less than nothing about kayak design.
Another view
I reduced the swept up stern on my oneocean cirrus.
No expert on kayak design either, but I'd think the upswept stern would give the kayak better ability to handle following seas (ie: being overtaken by large boat wakes or surf landings). Reverse for the upswept bow.
I think you have hit the nail on the head Ludwig. The night heron has a relatively low volume stern.
That makes sense. I guess all designs are compromises in one way or another. Take the sherwater... It has a much less upswept bow and stern. That is what is so facianating about sea kayaks. They are such a blend of form and function.