> John,

> My two cents. In my experience CLC is a reliable and professional group.
> When I inventoried my kit, I found I was "missing" several
> screws so I called CLC. They explained that the inventory sheet was
> incorrect, showed me where in the manual I needed the screws (the number
> in the manual was the number I had) and then offered to send extras if I
> felt uncomfortable with that count. You can't ask for much more.

I have had similarly solid experience with Pygmy when it comes to this type of customer service and technical support. My bulkhead/hatch kit had a busted stern bulkhead panel. I sent them an email, they sent me a new panel. No questions, no requests that I contact the shipper regarding damage in transit, just good service. Recently, I wrote them asking for some technical advice regarding a small problem I was having with getting the fiberglass to lay flat on the hull during wet-out. Quite unexpectedly, I will be receiving, free, a new 18' length of fiberglass cloth because it apparently wasn't my lack of skill in wetting out the cloth, but a defect in the cloth. I managed to get things looking pretty ok on the hull, despite the problem. But now, thanks to such excellent service, I won't have to worry so much about glassing my deck and having it come out looking like it ought to.

Companies that provide this type of customer service receive payback in one of two ways. (1) Repeat business and (2) Referrals. Since I have no idea when or if I may build another boat (I suspect I will), then consider this my testimonial referral to the largest group of kayak builders I "know".

It's nice to see that despite their apparent dislike of each other, CLC and Pygmy know how to treat the people who count the most.

Chris