Sorry about the missing post - a slip of the finger.

I've built both a Chesapeake 17 (for me) and an Osprey Standard (for my wife). I like the hard chine hull for its stability because I usually use the boat for saltwater fishing. For hands off use with binoculars, I would go for the hard chine hull.

I thought it was a piece of cake installing the deck and fittings on the Osprey Standard. It was much easier for me than installing the deck on the Chesapeake. The Pygmy deck looks nicer, too. The Pygmy hatches both look better and are more water tight. The plastic Pygmy hardware looks a little tacky, however.

I don't see any practical difference between the butt and scarf joints. Both were relatively straightforward to build. As an engineer used to dealing with aerospace structures, I can't imagine stressing either type of joint to its limits in anything approaching normal use.

If I was going to build another single, I'd look very closely at the Arctic Tern. I've never paddled one, but it seems to combine my favorite features of both of my boats.

Have fun and email me with any questions.