> I have been watching this thread and wanted to correct a few errors in the
> post below.

> 1) CLC includes 2.5 gal of epoxy in most kits. I think that's more than
> the competition gives.

> 2) All but the ultralight Patuxent series have 4mm decks. we can achive
> the same strength as a 'glassed multi-chine deck due to the arched shape,
> but we will gladly include glass for the deck for $10 extra if you just
> ask.

> 3) Multi-chine decks must be glassed to hold them together - no choice
> here.

> 4) CLC multi-chine hulls are fully glassed inside and out to make assembly
> easy, not for strength. It's the same with all multi chine kayaks.

> 5) If a certain CLC model weighs more its because hatches, bulkheads, a
> real backband and seat, and deck rigging are standard (not extra cost
> options) and they are included in the weight.

> 6) Any company that would offer a hard chine boat without fillets (and I
> don't know if any company does) has probably not done strength tests on
> the joints.

> 7) Any high end or custom boat builder who substituted butt joints for
> scarfs in a sailboat or most other type craft would be laughed out of
> business.

> 8) A deck seam does not make a boat stiffer than a true cambered deck.
> Cambered decks have the highest stiffnes to weight ratio.

> 9) Rubrails are a pretty and practical option that a lot of folks pay
> extra for. It beats putting a strip of electrical tape over the sheer
> joint to hide it, as you will see in the catalog from our esteemed
> competitor.

> 10) CLC kits are cheaper because we buy full containers of wood from
> European mills. Do our own cutting on our own CNC machine, and buy massive
> quantities of epoxy. We also sell close to 2000 kit a year. But maybe the
> real reason is that I am not greedy enough - we make a very nice profit as
> it is.

> Now I'd like to offer three opinions.

> 1) Negative advertising (as practiced by a certain competitor) often
> attracts and sells to people who have a negative and aggressive attitude.
> I certainly don't want to deal with customers, or anyone else, with that
> sort of attitude.

> 2) It's only a kayak. If you spend all you're time concerned about which
> one is a pound lighter, 2% faster, or 4% stronger you'll turn into one of
> those silly obsessed gear-heads that just sits around reading spec sheets
> and playing with his equipment. THESE ARE ALL GREAT BOATS; JUST TOSS A
> COIN, BUILD THE DAMN THING, AND GO PADDLING!

> 3) GO PADDLING! (in case you missed this in opinion #2)

> Feel free to e-mail or call if you have questions.

> Chris Kulczycki, Kayak Designer Chesapeake Light Craft Inc.

I lurk in this group but have never posted. I am a 61 year old disabled male who used to paddle years ago but resumed last year. I investigated both companies and have paddled 2 Pygmy (private owner) and 4 CLC models (CLC paddle days and one private owner). I could go either way but the Chesapeake 17 is suited to my disabilities and they were helpful. Pygmy when I called and said I was from Baltimore proceded to run down CLC. CLC in contrast provided straight forward phone information and was very helpful. I have not build yet because of certain circumstances and have missed some CLC classes but I will go that way. They have proven to me they are very kind and helpful. Look at their website where they have some weight saving options. Yes, I am paddling fiberglass now. I agree get out and paddle.

Dean

Dean