I can only remark on the Pygmy boats. I have built 1 & 1/2 of them. My first was the Coho which has characteristics more like the ospry (multichine hull) and the one I am working on now is the Tern.

If I had it to do over again I would have built the Tern first. Because of the greenland hard chine hull it is less complex with fewer steps to build. I would not say it is easier to build since all the same steps are needed, just fewer repetitions of those steps due to fewer panels. So... if you fancy a greenland style boat you get the added advantage: you can get your boat in the water faster.

Mike

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: 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