Bill,

Pygmy's butt joints work very nicely, they are plenty strong and very easy to align. The biggest disadvantage to the butt joints, is the [u]potential[/u] for discoloration at the taped seams. There are methods for avoiding this, but I didn't know about them on my first kayak, an Arctic Tern.

I think the WR 180 is a little faster, but the Coho is more maneuverable. I think the Coho is an excellent all around kayak, and I believe the WR 180 is more of a fast cruiser. You probably won't notice the difference in speed unless you are a strong paddler. The Coho is wider, so it should be able to handle bigger gear easier, but I would think overall volume is about the same between them. The Coho had extremely good reviews from Sea Kayaker, and I don't know if they have reviewed the WR 180. I would think that Pygmy's Osprey HP is more of a competitor to the WR 180 than the Coho.

All of this is taken from paddling the Coho a few times, and reading about both kayaks and studying their lines, so I may be totally off base.

Mike

: I am trying to make a decision between CLC's West River 180 kit and the Pygmy
: Boats Coho. I want a boat that is fairly fast and holds plenty of gear. Is
: anyone familiar with these boats and what are the differences between the
: two. Are the but joins that pygmy uses acceptable. It seems as if scarf
: joins would be better. I do like the multi-chine deck of the Coho. Thanks
: for any thoughts.