> Hi all:

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

> 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

Pete,

You have mentioned some very different kayaks. The Chessie 16 and the Merganser are hard chined kayaks, while the Osprey is a multi chined kayak. Does she want a hard chined kayak? If so you might want to look at the Arctic Tern Standard or 14. The 14 is designed for paddlers who under 150 lbs. She could easily handle the standard, but it might not track as well for her unless she added some weight to the kayak. Does she plan on using it for camping, or just day trips. I don't know about the Merganser yet, I know of someone who lives in a nearby town has one. There are distinct differences between the CLC and Pygmy you mentioned. The peaked decks do shed water very well, but the deck on my Tern hardly ever gets water on it, as it takes very tall, steep waves to get the bow to plunge.

Mike