First, this site''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s description is inaccurate. The length is 17'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''', beam is 23.5", and the spec weight is 45lbs. I purchased the boat when their kit prices drop 10% during the fall. I started construction in late January and completed the kit over the next four months in my livingroom and garage. I''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''m estimating some 90-100 manhours at a comfortable pace. The kit goes together well and if the instructions are followed, will produce outstanding results. The available video is as fun to watch as it is informative. I also recommend purchasing the book "The New Kayak Workshop" as it give the builder more insight of the boat building process. This was my kayak builder''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s bible. I built my boat pretty much stock save for staining the hull, hatch covers, and coaming. I would guess that the boat comes in at around 45-47 lbs. It gets more than its share of attention on the road or in my driveway. As for performance, I''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''ve not paddled a better kayak. Its stable, accelerates and maintains speed without much effort, and tracks extremely well. Edged turns are confidence inspiring. However, this being the first kayak I''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''ve owned, I''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''ve taken advantage of the opportunity to outfit her to my liking. The advantage of being able to customize fit cannot be overstated. While building a kayak is not for everyone given time, space, and basic tools required, it is fairly easy to do. If you are reasonably careful, you''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''ll have a boat is as light, or lighter, and performs at least as well as boats costing 3-5x more. Don''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''t forget the WOW! factor.

Customer Service

The staff at CLC are both knowledgeable, helpful, and prompt either by phone, e-mail, or user forum accessible from their website. They are serious about their craft and it shows! If you live in the A

Similar Products Used:

Other borrowed and/or rented kayaks of various makes and materials - and COST!