> How do you like your Coho? I'm a first time builder considering
> the CLC 17 or the Coho....any input would be greatly appreciated.
> Thx

Martin, I have just returned from a solid week of paddling in the St. Regis canoe area of the adirondaks of N.Y. state. I base camped at a state campground with direct access to dozens of lakes and ponds connected with short or long carries. The entire week was sunny and VERY windy. I paddled several hours every day. I became one with my Coho during this week. At first I was nervous about the white capped 1-2' seas with wind gusts that almost took my paddle on more than one occasion. The Coho impressed me in these extreme conditions as I had no problem traveling in any direction, into the wind, with the wind or accross it. I think this boat thrives in rough seas. The Coho has a fair amt. of rocker but, on the water this is all forward of the cockpit and is quite straight keeled aft. This makes for a strong tracking boat in all the conditions I encountered as well as turning very easily. The low wetted surface of this design makes her a fast boat at my crusing pase even into a strong head wind. Wind seams to have little effect on this boat and there is no need for an expensive and heavy rudder. The bow climbs over waves and I had no spray thrown at me. I carried her over trails several times with the longest nonstop carry being 1/3mi. At 42# plus paddle and 25# day pack, I would not want a heavier boat and wish it was 10# lighter!! I built the Coho from a kit (no plans yet) and everything needed was supplied except brushes, roller covers and enough gloves for epoxy work. The kit comes with 5 tempoary frames to keep everything in alignment and I felt these were essential in building a straight boat. The panels are precision cut and everythig fits with little effort. The boat builds fast except the epoxy and varnishing. Martin, I would advise you to test paddle both boats in the type conditions you will normally paddle in. To summarise: The Coho is a light, Fast, maneuverable, strong tracking kayak that handles rough conditions quite well. She has moderate initial stability with ecellent secondary stability. Best suited to intermediate-advanced paddler.

Good luck with what ever you build,

Larry