> 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

Hello Paul,

I built a GoldenEye 13 as my first kayak. It is a wonderful boat for my wife. It's very easy to paddle at crusing speeds and it tracks well. The size was perfect for a 5'2" woman. The deck is low so she is comfortable paddling.

Pygmy was very good at answering questions over the phone. My GoldenEye Hi (my second boat) needed a replacement former. It was sent quickly.

The hint I have concerns the joint doublers. I beveled the edges of the 3 inch wide parts at about 30 degrees before gluing them to the panels. This way very little epoxy/wood flour mixture is needed for fillets. These fillets are needed to eliminate air bubbles under the interior fiber glass.