> Hi all:

> I am thinking of building a Shearwater boats S&G Merganser as designed by
> Nicks brother for my SO.

I don't have any experience with Shearwater designs per se, but I think peaked decks shed water a lot faster than our Chesapeakes' cambered decks.

I would venture to guess that both the Osprey and Merganser are slightly higher-performance (less initial, more secondary stability, more maneuverability) than the Chesapeake.

The Pygmy Coho doesn't track as strongly as the Osprey, but it still has a nice balance between tracking and stability.

> Does anyone care to compare it privately or posted to designs by Pygmy or
> CLC. I have a Chessapeake and was either going to make a Chessie 16
> (plans) or Pygmy Osprey (kit)or Merganser 16 or 17 (plans) for her. The
> Mersanger has a similar decking style to the Pygmys which I would like to
> try instead of the bend the curved decking deal.

> Performance and cosntruction comments appreciated. We want something
> strong tracking. She is an experienced kayaker as well who just needs a
> wood boat. Wouldnt want to have her paddling an ugly production boat now
> would I.

> She is 5-7 and 130ish.

> I am actually hoping to try and get down to paddle one once we melt out.
> Anybody in upstate NY have one to try? Otherwise, its down to CT I guess.

> Thanks, Pete Albany, NY