: 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.

There have been reviews in Sea Kayaker on both boats. My read was that the Arctic tern (which I paddle) had a little better performance -- more sporty than the CLC -- which was a little big and bulky but more stable. However, if you are a bigger person then maybe that is what you want. I'm over 200 lbs and love the tern.

Since I have discovered that I like to go straight and fast in open water more than exploring coast line (something I didn't know until I had some time on the water) -- I would build the coho if I had it to do over again. However, the tern takes waves great and I have absolutely no complaints.

The difference in building is negligible. I had the tern on the water in under 50 hrs of work and the results look great.

So my suggestion would be to build the best all around boat since you will discover your style only after being on the water for a season or two.