> I just spent a vacation in Maine and saw millions of corporate made kayaks
> - but not one kit. I had so hoped to be able to compare the performance of
> say, an Arctic Tern vs. a Nordkapp Jubilee. I know most of you kayakers
> out there are partial to the beauty of wooden boats, but as I saw a
> beautiful Nordakapp, I wondered how a well made strip and glue kit
> compares in terms of performance. Can somebody give me their honest
> assessment?I hate to think of spending a fair amount of money and time
> only to wish I had saved more money and bought a professionally made boat
> from one of the top companies. I love the idea, and know how proud I would
> be to build my own kayak - but I also would feel better knowing if it
> would be the performance equal of a top notch professionally made boat.
> Any feelings? Do any of you paddle both?

I have compared the Artic Tern to the Necky Looksha IVS and HV. The Pygmy is faster, lighter, tracks straighter and gets many more compliments. The Necky turns a little easier. All other boats that I have rented while building my second boat pale in comparison.

Mike