Reed,

I own two Terns, have paddled a Coho, and inspected a couple CLC boats but never paddled them. It's clear from reading this list that the CLC boats are a little quicker to build. I think the deck design of the Pygmy's are more refined and offer some advantages while taking longer to build. To me the CLC decks look relatively straight except at the tips where the narrower width allows some bending. It's hard to bend a deck made from a single piece of wood (like CLC uses) into a compound curve. I don't know if this makes a significant performance difference, but I suspect the Pygmy's shed water better giving a drier ride due to their peaked and curved deck shape (that cannot be duplicated in a CLC design). Again, the performance differences between the two deck styles may be minor depending on where you paddle and how you use your boat. I have had my Tern out in 20-25 kt. winds in significant chop and the boat seems very dry and well balanced. Much better than the high-end production boats I have rented.

I chose a Tern over the Coho due to its more playful nature. In testing the Coho, it took about 25% more space to turn while paddling straight-up. While doing edged turns the difference was even more dramatic. It is much more maneuverable while still tracking well when desired. And it readily surfs in wind waves. I can hardly wait to get into some large waves. A possible drawback is that it's stern design precludes installation of a rudder, not that either my wife or have ever felt the need for a rudder on this boat.

There is a review of the Arctic Tern in the 12/99 Sea Kayaker magazine.

In the end, you should look for a boat the fits you, is designed for the use you intend, and lastly is pretty to look at.

Ted

: I am a total woodworking rookie trying to choose between a Pygmy (Coho or
: Arctic Tern) and CLC (Patuxent or Chesapeake 17). Most concerned about
: ease of building. Is either kit better? Also concerned about finished
: product - is either company designing a better product?

: THANKS FOR THE HELP.