NYCkayaker CLC 17 Feedback

[Alan Mapes]

Rick and all,

On your question about this boat, I can tell you about my experience with it.  I built the Chesapeake 17 as my first kayak back in 2000 and it's served very well.  It came out at 47 lbs., pretty good for a first time builder (who tend to overdo it on epoxy).  It's been fairly fast, very stable and well behaved boat.  It's a bit high-decked, so is effected by wind, showing more weathercocking than some kayaks.  I installed a skeg kit last year, which corrects this.  Hatch space is huge, so it's a good camping boat.  Size 13 feet are no problem, and the keyhole coaming lets you straddle, sit and then pull your feet in last - a superior way of getting into the boat.

I did the Great Hudson River Paddle with the Chessie in 2002, and you'll see us on the cover of Sea Kayaker magazine in a photo from that trip (October 2003 issue).  I really like the feel of a hard chine boat - it allows you to correct your direction by just dropping a hip, edging the boat.

If I were building a Chesapeake again, I would definately build the CH17 LT model.  The full 17 is very deep at the cockpit, and limits your learning on bracing and rolling.  Of course, for my current paddling style, I'd might go for the new CLC Shearwater or the Arctic Hawk.  

I built a Pygmy Arctic Tern for my wife last winter - it's a great boat, and a bit lighter than the Chessie design.  That said, the Chessie builds a lot faster and easier.  The Tern has some design advances over the CLC, but has a lot more deck pieces.

My overall suggestion - paddle as many boats as you possibly can before deciding.  If you're in the Albany area, you can try mine.

Alan Mapes
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