Thank you all for your thoughts and help. Backyard Renegade, sounds
like you were inclined to agree with the advice I received from Pygmy
re the longer boat. I had thought that weight was the most important
issue and that the less, the better. However, I'm learning that it
isn't that simple, and that longer boats may be easier to paddle
despite weighing a couple more pounds. Portage is not really an issue
as this boat will be kept on the marshy grass behind my house and just
dragged a few feet into the water, so very little shlepping will be
involved.

I will probably order the Arctic Tern 14 from Pygmy. I'm really
excited about building my first boat. Once I have experience with the
kit, I'd like to order plans for a skiff and try to build one on my
own.

Thank you all very much for your help and your insights.

Brad


(Backyard Renegade) wrote in message . com...
(brad) wrote in message

SNIP

However, I called Pygmy last week, and the gentleman with whom I spoke
steered me towards the Arctic Tern. He felt that it "handled" better
and would be much easier for my daughter to steer, etc. He felt that
this handling advantage more than compensated for the additional size
and weight.

I am now inclined to heed his advice, but I wonder if anyone can add
anything useful? If it matters: I have no boatbuilding experience but
lots of woodworking experience (furniture) and a decent shop with a
tablesaw, bandsaw etc (not that it looks like you need any of these
tools to build these kits).

As I was reading your post I was thinking that the longer kayak might
be better for the weight trade off, then I got to the last paragraph.
I agree with the guy at Pygmy (who knows much more about this than I),
go for the Tern if that is what he suggests. As far as building, with
your experience and a little patience, you should enjoy a smooth
build. I have just finished putting up the lines for my 9 yo, you
still have to stay somewhat long or they will have even more trouble
keeping up. And this is more important in the long run than the
occasional portage. If they can't keep up on the water, they will hate
the sport and portage will be the least of your problems.
Scotty from SmallBoats.com


Thank you all for any insights you can provide. I appreciate your
experience.

Brad