> Hi, I've been kayaking for a couple of years now, mostly in plastic
> touring boats. I'd like a longer, more performance-oriented boat than what
> I've been paddling (14-15' plastic boats). Fiberglass or composite boats
> are out of my price range, and I'd like something that'll last longer than
> plastic (and that doesn't look like tupperware).

> I've been slobbering over the Pygmy catalog and website.

This condition can be cured. we have all sufered from it at one time or another. Take 3 sheets of plywood, 1 gallon of epoxy resin, 12 yards of glass cloth, and write back when you launch. Caution, the cure can be addictive. After you stop slobbering you will have a strong urge to keep building boats.

> My primary questions are:

> In addition to something like Pygmy's Full Kit, what other tools and
> supplies do I really need to build a stitch and glue boat from a kit?
> About how much more money over the price of the kit am I likely to have to
> spend?

Hand tools usually are about all. If you have the basics around the house already, then you won't need to buy any. A good random orbital sander makes certain aspects (sanding) much easier, but you can do all the sanding by hand if you want. It just takes longer.

Tools you don't already have are available at most hardware stores, or Sears. Wal-mart, Kmart, etc. hardware departments. You can get fancy finishes from boating supply stores near you or through online or mail-order catalogs. Check the archives on this board and you will find MANY discussions about how to put on the world's glossiest coat of varnish. (some people are building 17 foot coffee tables that just happen to look like kayaks, float like kayaks, paddle like kayaks and eskimo roll like kayaks)

A respirator mask that has replaceable cartridge filters is a good investment. Get one that can filter out the finest dust from sanding the fiberglass. You should also see if it will filter out the vapors from the resin and varnish. Expect to pay $30 for this. A lot of people use the cheaper disposable dust masks -- and I am sure they help -- but personally I don't like to take chances.

> How much room do I really need to build a kit kayak? Would a 10X20' room
> give me enough space to build a 17' kayak?

Oh yeah. That should be fine. You can always set the thing diagonally and have plenty of room to walk around it while you work.

> Is is REALLY as easy as Pygmy and CLC's promotional literature says it is?

It is much easier. There is a limit to what they can describe in words, and with pictures. Once you get the pieces in front of you then you will see how they go together. Once you have twisted a few wires and secured the first panels you've learned about the hardest part.

> Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as well!

The sooner you start the sooner you'll be paddling.

There are a few good online stories about the sequence for building a stitch and glue kayak. Check this board for links to them. Many of these stories document projects that are started from scratch. If you get a kit, the parts you need will be cut to size and ready to assemble, so you will have an even easier time. And, your work will go faster.

Take some pictures as you work. You'll appreciate them more when you look back at what you have made. Oh, and you can share them with us, too!

Hope this helps. Good luck with your project.

Paul G. Jacobson