I agree with Marks comments about CLC. I'm about half way finished building a Chesapeake 17 from plans. I was surprised that the instructions seemed a little thin at times. I have an engineering background and have worked in construction for a number of years, but I could have profited from more detailed instructions. I'm not implying that my experience made me highly qualified to attempt this project, but I have a feeling that some significant percentage of people would have problems working from the CLC instructions. Then again, if the instructions are too detailed, some of the challenge and learning would be lost. I have found that CLC is an efficient company. It seems easy to get your questions answered.

Thanks to the people on the list. I've learned a lot from the various posts.

Jim

> I can't comment on Pygmy or on kits, but I did just build a a
> CLC Cheasapeake 17 from plans so I can make some relevant comments.
>

> While I was generally impressed with the instructions (the same
> set you would get with a kit) I felt they were lacking in a few areas
> - I made many notes in the boarders with suggestions for future building.
> The plans were short on pictures and unclear in some areas that I
> felt a little more effort could significantly improve - something
> that I consider unacceptable in this day of simple desk-top publishing.
> They could very easily ask someone who had built a boat for feed back
> and very quickly incorporate those ideas into new instructions.

> Irrespective, I'm happy with my boat - it paddles well and I'm
> learning skills as I go (I never had a learning boat - only ~10hrs
> of kayaking experience prior to putting my boat in the water!)

> You'll get lots of great advice from this list and I'll admit
> that CLC was quick to provide answers to my questions (I've heard
> the same of Pygmy).

> Good luck, Mark