> Hoping to build a kayak later this winter and trying to decide on whether
> to go with CLCs Chesapeake Lt 17 or their West River 164. Any thoughts or
> comments or comments from builders or users of either of these boats,
> likes, dislikes, conditions used in, etc. would be appreciated. Would also
> be interested in other similar stitch/glue type designs, any
> recommendations on other designs?

I recently went through this same process. First, I feel CLC and Pygmy are equally good companies. They both seem to offer good products and good support.

I had all ready decided, for boat handly reasons, that I wanted a muli-chine boat not a single chine design. This is simply my preference, there is nothing inherently superior about one over the other. This gave me a choice betwen the CLC West River and a variety of Pygmy designs. After talking to both companies (and visiting CLC) it became obvious that CLC really preferred their single chine designs. They didn't seem to as enthusiastically endorse their muti-chine design as they did their single chine dseigns; whereas, Pygmy, that also offers both, seems to push their multi-chine designs (Osprey and Coho). For this reason I purchased a Coho kit, primarilly based on a positive review in a recent issue of Sea Kayaker magazine.

I am about 1/4 of the way through construction and have not been disappointed in my choice.

Ralph