> Anyone out there have experience building and paddling the Pygmy Osprey
> Std. I'm thinking about buying a kit and would like feedback about how it
> paddles and how it goes together. I'm 5' 9" tall and carry almost 250
> pounds on my delicate frame:o).

> How does it perform:tracking, turning, waves, etc. How is the cockpit
> size?

> Thanks, Ron

Ron, I paddled with a friend that built a Pygmy,I got the chance to paddle it a little He's around 225 lbs, I'm 175 lbs. It is a stiff tracking boat. That said, how you outfit the boat ie. seat,hip-braces, and thigh braces can greatly affect your ability to control the boat. It is wide enough to feel stable (I'll leave it up to other folks to use the primary/secondary jargon) but the bottom is rounded enough to feel responsive. The cockpit is a bit large for my taste but might be just your cup of tea. Thigh braces that are effective,(contact with thighs and not kneecaps) might make hopping in and out of the boat a little slower but worth it if your going to be in waves.

I have built a few boats. I think it is an excellent design and would make a fine first/last boat.