I can't comment on Pygmy or on kits, but I did just build a a CLC Cheasapeake 17 from plans so I can make some relevant comments.

While I was generally impressed with the instructions (the same set you would get with a kit) I felt they were lacking in a few areas - I made many notes in the boarders with suggestions for future building. The plans were short on pictures and unclear in some areas that I felt a little more effort could significantly improve - something that I consider unacceptable in this day of simple desk-top publishing. They could very easily ask someone who had built a boat for feed back and very quickly incorporate those ideas into new instructions.

Irrespective, I'm happy with my boat - it paddles well and I'm learning skills as I go (I never had a learning boat - only ~10hrs of kayaking experience prior to putting my boat in the water!)

You'll get lots of great advice from this list and I'll admit that CLC was quick to provide answers to my questions (I've heard the same of Pygmy).

Good luck, Mark
> Hi, I'm a new but compulsive sea kayaker. I feel I've outgrown
> my plastic starter boat so I want to buld the boat of my dreams. I
> think S&G is good enough for now, I'm too eager to get in the
> water to try a stripper.

> But I'm agonizing over which design. I've been watching this
> bbs and the builder's log, and I have yet to see any comments on the
> new Pygmy Coho. Anyone have any first or second hand scuttlebutt on
> how it performs? Also, what I've read while lurking leads me to believe
> Pygmy and CLC are equally excellent in kit quality, plan clarity,
> and customer service--true?

> Thanks, Bill