> I have narrowed my choices for a first attempt at building to Pygmy's
> Artic Tern and Osprey Std. but am still researching other possibilities
> and now have 2 concerns about the Pygmy technique. CLC claims that using
> sheer clamps is the way to go. Any comments on difficulty of gluing deck
> to hull in a Pygmy boat or problems attaching deck rigging?

> CLC also uses scarf joints as opposed to Pygmy's butt joints. I have read
> the pros/cons of each from both companies but would appreciate some
> hearing from experienced builders on the subject.

> Also can't decide between HC and MC. I am looking for a stable enough boat
> that I can paddle along the shore (creeks, estuary, bay) and be able to
> use binoculars for wildlife watching. Any recommendations or votes for
> either the Arctic Tern or Osprey?

I built an Actic Tern this year. Great boat -- easy to build. Butt joints are very easy and all the concerns about flat spots are unfounded. The joints are located in parts of hull with very little twist or bend. The joints look fine.

Gluing the deck to the hull was also no problem -- it is essentially the same method that Nick uses in his Guillemot.

My suggestion is for you to buy the boat that you are most enthralled with - its the one you will enjoy the most. Both designs are technically fine. Also, from what I've read you may want to consider the Coho.

I also suggest buying the kit over the plans. I think the hardest part of the S&G boat is proper cutting of the panels. The computer cut panels that came with the kit are perfectly pre-cut. If you do build from plans I think the butt joints would be much easier to get accurate panel sizing with.

Good luck.