> Any recommendations for a QUALITY kit to build. Some kits are $1400 + while most are in the $600 range. What's the differance?

John, I have built boats from clc and pygmy, the designs are different and there is about a $100 greater cost in the pygmys for a similarly equipped boat with bulkheads and hatches. Both companies use plywood,epoxy,and misc. hardware. Quality is a value that will mostly come from your construction. Go slowly and if in doubt make test pieces to get a sense of how epoxy,plywood,glass,and fillers get along.

You do not differentiate types of kits in your question concerning cost. A strip boat is different from a simple 4 panel hard chine boat is different from a multichine 8 panel hull 4 panel deck boat. My experience is that a $700 kit costs about $900 when all the paint,personal preference hardware,extra gloves brushes rollers drop cloths etc. are figured in. There is also a temptation to upgrade some household tools if this is a first boatbuilding project.

Will be paddling mostly quiet
> lakes. I know that a lot depends on the size of the paddler and storage
> needs, but right now I am concerned about quality (read.. no missing parts
> and good manual), reliable, and caring company.

I don't think of clc,pygmy,guillemot et al as business that I am going to get something from for a specified fee any more. these are business that have people that are making something that I like. Treated well as people,they will treat you well as a customer.

I would reccomend that you consider the size of paddler and go from there.