Thanks... yes, I'd love to hear more about how it compares with the AT 14 when you get it done. Since you built the Merganser first, the AT should be an easy project.

So far, The only problem I've had building my AT was epoxying the butt joints. I had a lot of trouble getting the tape to wet out completely and had problems with bubbles under the tape and under the mylar sheet. Even tried using my fingertip to push the epoxy into the tape and to push bubbles out the side of the strip. The room was around 75 degrees or so, so I thought that it'd be just the right temperature. After reading about System Three epoxy on some web sites, I think my problem is that it's just more viscous than other brands. I considered heating it up some by placing the jugs in hot water but I didn't know how hot to get the water, how long to leave it in and if it would shorter the pot life (even un-heated it seemed to set quickly... but I'm a bit slow ;-) )... Anyway, thanks for the info. Good luck with the Artic Tern. I'm almost certain I'll try the Merganser next.

: I've only been out in the boat for about three hours on pretty calm, flat
: water.
: So far I REALLY like it. It is the first boat I have built. The building
: process was pretty staightforward, though there were some gliches because
: I was one of the first people to buy the hybrid kit from Newfound
: Woodworks and I was beta-testing the process to some extent. A hybrid kit
: takes longer to build than a full stich-and-glue kit, but you do get to
: experience the cedar strip building process and have the pleasure of the
: wood deck.

: I'm in the process of building an Arctic Tern 14 for my wife. I'll let you
: know
: how they compare when I'm done.