I helped my brother-in-law build his Panache then my wife & I build a Georgian Bay.

The building instructions were quite good and had been improved even more by the time we build the GB (1997).

On the Panache, we also found we had to 'tweek' a station when we tacked on some strips to check the set-up on the strongback. However, all three of the strippers I've worked on needed some fine tuning of the stations after the first check of how fair the test strips laid in.

Unlike Don, we did build the raised hatches. I didn't find it that difficult to fit them. They seal better than any other hatch I've seen. The disadvantages are they can develop quite a vacuum when the temperature drops and you sometimes need to pry them off. I also find the raised lip on the front hatch creates some spray when the waves are coming over the bow.

For day paddles I usually added ballast to improve the initial stability. With a load of gear it is a treat to paddle.