I'm trying to decide on a S&G kayak kit and would like some advice.

Vital statistics: 220 lbs., 5'11", 10D.

Kayaking interests: mainly daytripping on lakes/ponds and rivers. Possibly poking around islands in Muscongus Bay (Maine) on calm days. More interested in exploring interesting places than travelling long distances. Somewhat intrigued by "Greenland" paddles and technique (purely an abstract interest, so far). Note that carrying a lot of camping gear is not a desideratum.

My construction space limits me to a 17' length kayak, and even that is pushing things a bit.

The kayak kits that I've been contemplating are:

CLC: Chesapeake 17 or 17LT, West River 162 or 164.

Pygmy: Arctic Tern 17, Queen Charlotte Std, GoldenEye Std or HI, Osprey Std.

Current favorites: Chesapeake 17, WR 164, Arctic Tern 17.

Any advice or suggestions would be very much welcome.

---Paul