> I am planning on building my first kayak in the near future. I am
> considering the Pygmy Arctic Tern & the CLC Chesapeake 17. Does anyone
> have any recommendations on either of theses boats? I am looking for info
> on ease of builiding, overall quality, etc.. Any information you can give
> me would be greatly appreciated.

> Thanks. Darrel

Darrel, do a few searches through the database of old posting . Many contributors have built these boats and you can benefit from their comments.

A couple of points: There are a few rabid fans who STAUNCHLY support the merits of a particular boat model, or kit manufacturer. As you go through the database you will quickly find this. While I appreciate their sincerity, I personally don't buy all the arguments. What I DO get out of the discussions is that there are large numbers of people who have built these boats and absolutely, totally love them. Unfortunately, a few sometimes express their love by trashing the competition. Ignore the trash talk. The compliments from the builders seem to greatly outweigh the comments by those who chose to build something different.

These are both easy boats to build, as can be attested to by the numbers of successful builders. The kits should have all the parts you need, and both companies provide support should you encounter difficulties. Or, you can write here and tap into the brainpower of some of the nicest folk on the internet.

In the database you can find tips on modifying the plans a bit, too. The most common modifications seems to be in: the design of hatch covers, increasing deck height for people with big feet, seats, and cockpit or coaming shape. Basically, these are 'tailoring' items to get the boat to fit you better.

The overall quality is going to be mostly affected by you. After all, you are the builder and the painter. If you do a sloppy job of varnishing things, you have no one to blame but yourself. Of course, we'll be happy to advise on how to correct those flubs. (Some of us have a great deal of experience in correcting mistakes, because we make so many of them! )

Whichever boat you choose: I hope you enjoy building and paddling it. Take a few pictures of the process. They will probably be faded years before you pass this boat on to the next couple of generations, but grandkids 40 years from now might get a kick out of seeing a person actually build something, instead of it being assembled by a machine.

Best regards

Paul G. Jacobson