> I am looking for comments from anyone who has completed a Chesapeake 17LT
> from the CLC kit. How long did it take to build, what was the final boat
> weight, and are you happy with the way it paddles? Thank you.

Hey Bruce, good luck with you 17LT. I've built 3 Chesepeake 17's - the last one was the LT from plans. My Lt. finished at 42 lbs. that's because this was my 3rd boat and you learn how to lighten up to come out under 50 lbs. No glass on the inside - tape only, small fillets, 3 mil deck, 5.5oz glass with 2 coats of System 3. Use a squeegee for spreading epoxy evenly and lightly - takes practice, but that is where you gain weight.

I estimate maybe 50 to 60 hours - hard to say as I work sporadically throughout the winter on boat projects.

The Lt17 paddles similar to the standard 17, but less exposure to wind. Have not experienced any serious wheathercocking. It's a bit tight for me though - just about fits my size 11 feet. A relatively fast boat, stable, bow rides easily over wave and chop, behaves pretty good in the surf too. A fun (and easy to carry, put-in) day boat.