: Yesterday I was able to demo a bunch of the CLC kit boats. They are on their
: way up to the Wooden Boat show in Washington state. Besides dumping myself
: twice it was a great experience. Nice folks those CLC people
: Does anyone have any thoughts (Ha that is a open door!!!!) about how the
: Artic Hawk compares to other boats. And in particular, Tom Yost's folding
: boats and the Pt Bennette, free plans on the web--budget is tight. I weigh
: too much now--180, have not been below 150 for 30 years,5'2" size 8
: to 9 shoes and short arms even for my height. I live an hour drive from
: the Pacific (North end of Los Angeles--Santa Clarita) there is a local
: club that seems to be willing to help us skill limited new folks. End of
: this month I have a day and half of lessons set up, strokes and first
: class for rolling. I will be doing both of those classes in a rented boat.

: I would like a boat that lets me keep up with the club folks on one day
: paddles, could hold enough gear for a few day trip if I am careful and
: could handle some time in the ocean--maybe a crossing to the channel
: islands in the company of folk who really know what they were doing and on
: a calm day. rather have a boat that is just out of my skills now to grow
: into, because I don't thing life is gong to allow a vast stable of boats.
: Oh and I want to build and have been lurking on this board for years,
: limited actual hands on wood working skills and not contact with glass and
: resin..
: Thanks

Did you try the Shearwaters? Assuming you want to do S and G. Pt. Bennett looks good, too. (but I haven't paddled any of these)