I think we need a little more information here in order to help you out. What makes a "good" boat or boat building project is dependant on what you want, need and can handle. have you decided on a construction technique? (stripper or plywood?) I'm not sure if your asking for help deciding on which boat, or if you've narrowed the boats down to a few choices and now you want feedback on which vendors?

As R.C. said, you have choices regarding construction as well as performance. You need to think about which boats you would like, and how much effort you want to put in to build it.

What type of boat do you think looks nice? Some folks like round boats, some like boats with sharp edges (chines) Some like the natural colors in a stripper, some like painted boats. Does this make a diffence to you?

How comfortable/ experienced are you in paddling? This will help determine What compormise between stability and efficiency is right for you?

How big a project are you interested in? (quick and easy? or more involved?) Stich and glue construction is quick and easy stripper construction is more involved, but may be more satisfying for some.

Specifically, which are the two kits you are considering?

Sorry, more questions than answers huh?

P.

> I am a first time builder wondering which kit is the best one
> to go with? I want a good touring Kayak for the Central Coast of California.
> There appears to be 2 main brands for complete kits with similar prices,
> I am wondering if one is significantly better than the other?