> Aloha!

> I just ordered a Pygmy GoldenEye 13' kit. This is their stitch
> and glue offering for kids and small adults.

> Anyone out there built one of these?

> Any comments on the quality or support from Pygmy?

> Any construction tips? (I've already read the old posts on stitch
> and glue methods and problems.)

> MY IMPRESSION OF PYGMY: During my research into options for a
> quick and easy kids boat, I was very impressed with Pygmy's customer
> relations. They are a friendly and nice group of folks. They were
> helpful, and prompt in replying to my questions, and working with
> me to find cheap way to get the panels shipped to Hawaii. When they
> said they would call me back at a certain day/time, they did. (That's
> a pet peave of mine.)

> I was also impressed with their method of fabricating the panels,
> using a computer controlled Laser cutter. (That's the way I'd do it
> if I were in the business!)

> Since I'll be modifying it into a self bailing sit-on-top, I
> just ordered the plywood panels and temporary forms instead of an
> entire kit. I had enough fiberglass left over from the stripper project
> I just completed, to to this little boat. So is should work out pretty
> good.

> I wonder if it is unusual for a boat builder to build a stripper
> first, and then make the second boat a stich and glue? I would expect
> it to normally work the other way around! But there ya go, I've got
> it all Bass Ackwards Again!!!

> Paul

Paul,

Good choice. I built an Osprey Triple, which is pretty much a large version of the Golden Eye, from plans. Building the mult-chine hull was more tedious because of all the panels, but it was easy work. It's a well-designed hull.

Support from Pygmy is excellent. I resurrected an abandoned Pygmy Queen Charlotte project that my brother started in 1986. I called Pygmy and asked if I could still get phone support for a 12-year old kit and the answer was an enthusiastic "yes". They offered advice on the latest construction methods and sent a new manual free of charge right away.

I was impressed at how the panels on the QC went together flawlessly. The seams are perfectly fair, with no wobbles. Both the QC and the triple perform very well in wind and waves.

Here's a pet peave of mine: advertised weights. While other company's advertised weights are way optimistic on the low side, Pygmy's weights are honest. The QC really comes out at 38-39 lbs, and my triple is an honest 65 lbs complete with varnish, seats, foot pegs, deck bungies and even floatation bags.

There are several Pygmy boats in the Kayak Buiders of Southern California kayak registry- check them out.

Rick Rubio