: Hello, my name is Amanda. I am interested in building a two person Kayak for
: my boyfriend and I to use. I have no Idea the frist thing to do. I've been
: looking on the internet and there seems like there are many different
: types... If anyone has a suggestion what would be good for a beginner (
: building and the Kayak!!!) i would much appreciate any help thanks ~
: amanda nanders172@altavista.com
HI, Amanda-Here's my two cents worth: I've built a Pygmy Osprey HP and am now building a CLC Chesapeake 16LT with my wife for her use. In my opinion the Pygmy kit is more diffucult to build than the CLC ones, hence more of a handful for a first time builder, and the System Three epoxy requires you to move fast once you mix up a batch, whereas the MAS supplied with the CLC kits uses a slow hardener, which, besides giving one more time, doesn't produce amine blush. It's a drag to use when you're in a hurry, but we got a bottle of fast hardener to use for scarfing and gluing, saved some time.
The CLC kits have a lot of wiggle room built into them, especially regarding the method of putting on the deck-it goes on oversize and is trimmed to shape. Their construction methods are much more forgiving of mistakes. Also, CLC has its own building forum on its website, which is real handy, as well as free; I racked up some fat phone bills with calls to Pygmy.
This should not be construed as criticism of Pygmy in any way; I consider the owner/designer, John Lockwood, to be a genius, the staff is very helpful and friendly (as is that of CLC), and I love my Osprey.
Lastly, if you can afford it, build two singles rather than a double; much more versatile, much more fun, less conducive to disagreements. Paddle solo, sleep tandem!-Greg