> There seems to be a lot of rivalry among the major kayak kit suppliers and
> for a newcomer it is difficult to sort through the information. For
> example, one major supplier recommends scarf joints, the other disagrees,
> one uses cambered multi-paneled decks, the other not. Unfortunately, there
> is no way for me to try out the various models before purchase, so I feel
> as if I am guessing before spending a substantial amount of money on a kit
> for my husband's birthday. Our kayaking involves launching from
> pebbly/sandy beach into light surf on Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay.I
> realize there are probably good virtues to both Pygmy and Chesapeake Light
> Craft designs but don't know how to choose. My husband is a very competent
> woodworker and advanced beginner kayaker.He is 5 foot 7 inches and a
> slender build. Does anybody have any suggestions? Experience with both?
> Strong feelings about the design differences? Thanks for the help.

Toni--

I have little to add to the responses you have already received. I am a very satisfied builder of a CLC 18 LT. I remain agnostic about the relative merits of scarf and butt joints, cambered and beveled decks, etc. One factor, however, that may be significant in choosing between Pygmy and CLC is whether you really want to build from a kit. With a little effort (and a little patience waiting for shipments from multiple suppliers) it is possible to save a bit of money and to make design modifications more easily. For many Pygmy models, building from plans is not an option, so CLC may be preferable on this score. My $.015 ....

--Will