I know of 3 source of complete kits. Chesapeak Light Craft, Pygmy Boats, and Newfound Woodwork. CLC and PB both make Stitch and Glue boats. Newfound Woodworks makes strip-built boat kits, including my designs (Guillemot Kayaks), and those from John Winters and Bear Mt Boat Shop. I work part time at Newfound Woodworks.

Stitch and glue kits go together much more quickly than a stripper, They are hard-chine or multi-chined. Strippers take more patience and the shapes can be rounded or chined.

With stitch and glue you start with a sheet of plywood and end up with a boat shaped piece of plywood. With a stripper you start with a pile of thin strips and end up with a beautiful wooden boat. I find strippers a much more satisfying project.

I don't think you can say one method is better than the other, or the designs of one company are the best. Which is best depends on what you want.

> I am a first time builder wondering which kit is the best one
> to go with? I want a good touring Kayak for the Central Coast of California.
> There appears to be 2 main brands for complete kits with similar prices,
> I am wondering if one is significantly better than the other?