> Hey, I am planning on building a Kayak, probably s&g for my first one. I
> notice that the clc boats have rudders, wheras the pygmys for the most
> part do not. Do I need a rudder? I am planning on an arctic tern or a coho
> I think. Will these boats track in most conditions? I am a novice paddler,
> but I'd rather not have to mess with a rudder if I don't have to. Also, in
> the pygmy kits, are the cockpit holes cut out? I might like to put a
> keyhole in. Thanks

> Paul Liebenberg Paul, I have built a few CLC and pygmy boats,your decision to install a rudder is more dependent upon the conditions you paddle in and your skill level. All of these boats start as glue and wood untill you turn it into a kayak. I have built a Coho and think its a good boat for 175 lb paddler plus gear. I called Pygmy once about installing a key-hole cockpit and they saidthat for a fee the deck panel can be left uncut or a retrofit can be sent for a fee. It is a large cockpit opening I would want a keyhole for me in order to get good thigh braces installed. have fun whatever you decide. measure twice,cut once,....measure five times,glue once?