I am a first time builder, as well as new to kayaking, and I have to vote for Nick's stitch n glue Guillemot(this is his board, ya know). I am building from scratch. I did spring for a set of full size plans just to make sure, (I'm not sure of my lofting skills), but otherwise, I'm just using Nick's journal that he kept as he build, as well as a journal that Nick has a link to by George McQuade, another first time builder. While I have had some issues along the way, my Kayak is "beautiful in my eyes".

As for cost, $40 for lauan plywood, $125 for epoxy, $30 for wire and brushes and sandpaper, $23 for fiberglass tape and $50 for fiberglass cloth.

I don't think that a Pygmy kit goes together much faster than this, as all I had to do was scarf my plywood and tape my patterns to it to get my panels.

Check it out:

http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/Building/Stitch%26Glue/StitchAndGlue.html

I get a real sense of satisfaction knowing that this came so much from my own hands.

Just my .02 cents.

Larry

> I am looking into building a kayak I am inexperienced as a kayker. I have
> used a carolina and a magellan on the coast and loved it. So what is a
> good kit that is "cheap"!? Chesapeake had some interesting
> designs. I am looking for a sea worthy- 17 ft or so 22 or so wide. Does
> anyone have any ideas? I am looking for function and use more than beauty.
> Any favorites? Suggestions?