Sit-On-Top or Sit-Inside

I was mentally comparing CLC's prices with Pygmy's prices.

Here's Pygmy's pricelist for all their boats- http://www.pygmyboats.com/PRICELIS.HTM

And here's CLC's Shearwater page (I couldn't 1 page listing all CLC's prices, so choose a boat most like Pygmy's)- http://www.clcboats.com/boats/shearwater.php

CLC's regular prices are ~$200.00 more than Pygmy's, for an equivilent boat. (I actually prefer most of John Lockwood's/Pygmy's designs; not sure that they necessarily compare, in performance.)

When my dad was researching before buying his Coho kit, he found someone putting together beautiful Pygmy's for ~$2500.00.

When I built my Wherry, I bought a partial kit (wood only), because I already had a bunch of supplies, and I knew where to go to get good prices on materials. It's been enough years, and products have changed enough, that I'd have to do some research, to do that again.


P.S. I just noticed the differrence in price, for plans packages. CLC's=$99.00; Pygmy's=$59.00


Now, if we could only get John L. to take the SOT possibilities, seriously.

wow!, ya'll are serious about your winter projects.

I've built both a CLC Chesapeake 17 (for me) and Pygmy Osprey (for my wife).  They're in my garage in north Seattle if anyone would like to look at them side by side to compare the CLC vs Pygmy designs. 

Excellent.  So how do you compare these 2 lines of boats?

-Allen

I spent the first 20 years of my kayak fishing life in sit in kayaks.  What I like about SIK is you can stay dry and fairly warm without a lot of gear on your legs. Sure you still may need a rain coat above but no way to avoid that. I think SIK's are a little smoother and faster as well but that isn't a concern for me.

I bought the Tarpon 120 earlier this year and have used my Uncles 120 and 160 a few times prior. What I like about the SOT is it is a lot easier to get in and out of. You also sit up a little higher in the water increasing your view yet stability is still excellent as you can easily hang your feet over the side and relax. Also I like the storage below. You are not limited to 2 small compartments but one big one the length of the yak. I also find it a lot easier to mount accessories like rod holders and fish finders.


So in conclusion I think SOT is really superior for fishing but may not be the best answer for all. I would just suggest people do some research and try out both types to see what they like best. 

I saw this sot where the back end is split and with the pull of a lever the come out to the sides in a T shape so you can stand up on it to cast or pole through the flats. Anyone else ever seen one.
FC

I saw this sot where the back end is split and with the pull of a lever the come out to the sides in a T shape so you can stand up on it to cast or pole through the flats. Anyone else ever seen one.
FC

Ummm ... you mean this one? http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/bb/index.php?topic=149.0   

-Allen

Close, but its this one

        http://www.freedomhawkkayaks.com 

$2000 for this one. It was an editors pick in field & stream's november issue.

Cool ... similar concept.

-Allen

I paddle a malibu Pro2Tandem.  I've paddled a friends SIS and it is definitely warmer, faster and lighter, but the ergonomics are kind of restrictive.  I have considered building a CLC Chesapeake 18 for winter paddling and touring, but the Malibu is the fishing barge of choice for me.

MHO