> I bought a Pygmy Coho two months ago. It's still in the box. I didn't have
> the guts to assemble it right away; after months of checking out this
> website it became clear there is a big learning curve involved with
> getting the desired, 'proper' finish, whichever one a person decides upon.
> Maybe I was needlessly intimidated by the display of experience and skill
> I see here, but there you are.

I have a CLC 18 from plans. It isn't perfect but sure is fun to use! Of the others I've seen, I think the kits go together better, probably because the panels are cut better. Everything I've heard about Pygmy kits has been good. Don't worry about little imperfections, in the end you will be the only one who knows they are there. Besides, it'll just get scratched up anyway...

I did a similar pickup rack for my Ford, with laminated beams. It was an afterthought, to carry the boat on. For a "temporary" rack, it's held up pretty well. One of these days I'll get 'round to putting a cover on it...