> I am a novice kayaker, though I have paddled canoes for several years. I
> am looking to get my first yak, and am considering building a kit. I have
> demoed a couple of the Pygmy boats (the Tern and the Coho), but cant find
> much written up on the CLC boats - specifically the Cheasapeake singles.
> Since I live on the west coast, it is not convenient to travel to CLC and
> demo their boats. I envision using the boat for day trips, and camping on
> rivers and coastal waters for up to a week or so.

> Can anyone shed some light on what they see as the differences between the
> Tern and Cheasapeake 17? Oh yeh, I have big feet (12), so I am interested
> in comments on foot room.

> Thanks.

Sea Kayaker did a review on the Cheasapeake this year. It didn't do as well as Pygmy has in their reviews, but the main problems were builder related, things like deck rigging not set up well. The general performance was good as I recall.

There are two areas where I feel the Arctic Tern is definitly a better kayak. 1) It has a dryer ride because of it's peaked deck and upswept bow and stern. 2) You bang you nuckles less because of the angles of the multipaneled deck.

I have not paddled a Cheasapeake yet but paddled a Cape Charles. I like my Tern a lot better, but some people like the CLC's more.

I highly recomend paddling before you build. Where do you live on the West Coast? We might be able to find someone who has a Cheasapeake that you could try out. Redfish Kayaks has a builders directory where you can look for other builders in your area. You might even find a Cheasapeake in your home town.

Mike