As far as ease of construction goes, all are relatively similar. Pick one that you like the looks of and build it!

You'll have a hard time comparing the 4 boats you mentioned for performance and handling. None of them are really similar.

Just to muddy the water a little....

Pygmy's Coho is more akin to the CLC West River 162 or 164 --Multi-chine hull, moderate beam

The Pygmy Arctic Tern is more like the CLC North Bay --Very hard chines, relatively low decks, relatively low beam, more "traditional" Greenland-like styling.

CLC Chesapeake 17::Pygmy Osprey? --Hard chines, 24" beam, somewhat high decks (The Chesapeake's deck is higher than the Osprey's)

CLC Patuxent::doesn't really have a Pygmy counterpart. --Long, slim, day-paddling, or recreational racing boat.

Both companies have good designs, nobody really has the corner on the market. Don't let their negative advertising sway you. Like I said before, pick the one you like the appearance of better, and build it!

You mentioned that you are a woodworking rookie--are you a paddling rookie, as well, or do you have any particular boat performance preferences we could help you with in your search for which boat to build?

Shawn

: I am a total woodworking rookie trying to choose between a Pygmy (Coho or
: Arctic Tern) and CLC (Patuxent or Chesapeake 17). Most concerned about
: ease of building. Is either kit better? Also concerned about finished
: product - is either company designing a better product?

: THANKS FOR THE HELP.