Jim,
I own a 14' Great Auk and a Pygmy Golden Eye (same hull as an Osprey, but a different deck). I prefer the Pygmy over the Auk for a couple of reasons. The Pygmy tracks much, much better, yet still turns well, edged or not. I had to add a skeg to the Auk to tame it. Everyone I've ever talked to with an Auk (okay, only 3 people) has had the same issue. In addition the Auk has a really high foredeck. Get out in a little bit of wind and you are going to have to work much harder in the Auk than the Pygmy to go where you want to go.

Both boats are extremely stable. I believe that the Auk may have slightly more initial stability. Both boats have cavernous hulls and can really carry a load. My feet fit better in the Auk. When we have both boats out on the water the Auk gets more compliments by far.

: Hi all -
: When I finish my Cape Ann Storm, I'm still planning on dropping the Hobie
: Mirage drive system into a kayak as a possible next project. It would be
: more of a cruiser/touring platform, pictures, fishing, etc. Do any of you
: have first hand paddling experience with BOTH the Great Auk AND the Pygmy
: Osprey Standard? I know they're boat great boats, I'm just wondering how
: the two stack up. I've got enough strips to build the AUK, but I like the
: looks of the Osprey and the time savings involved with building another
: Pygmy boat.