Derek,

I ordered my first S & G kit a couple of weeks ago (still waiting for it and chomping at the bit.) I have been researching this decision through this site and several others for months. I chose a CLC Chesapeake LT17. The real decision for me was based upon customer support after the sale, reputation of design, cost, and completeness of kit.

CLC has a 10% off sale for the next 3 days or so. (That covers cost)

The sheer # of folks who have sites tracking their building progress and the
praise customers have for the boats is important. (Reputation)

The website at CLC is a dream come true. I post my piddly pre-build questions and they very nicely talk me down from my excitement and tell me what's what. (post-sale support)

The kit is very complete. It includes hatches, and rigging and the like at no extra cost. ($629 American at least $100 cheaper than Folland and $200 than Pygmy when all is said and done)

I gotta tell you though, its the website that was the kicker. I am 5 hours from MAryland so the long distance would add up. You are close to Folland, so that helps if you have any technical questions. Folland prides itself on the construction manuals, but I spoke with John at CLC and he said that all of CLC's manuals have recently been updated and revised, plus they have a construction video coming out in November.

I don't know how Folland is after the sale or not, no body seems to from my experience. I am all about giving the little company a chance, but with so much being offered by CLC and the 10% sale to boot my decision was easy. The Folland boats seem very similar to the Chessies too. Cambered deck and the like...

Now if CLC will just hurry up and get that kit here. My wife is sick of me piling my tools all aroung the living room in preparation.

-Mike