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I actually built the first kit made and sold by the original kit distributer in New Hampshire. (I forgot the name). I also have a more recent model. Both are stitch and glue. I first test paddled one made by Erick Schade, the designer at a demo day he participated in. I was impressed with it immediately. The Merganzer 17 is a sleek greenland style kayak, although not as low volume as one might expect of a greenland kayak which will benefit many less flexible.paddlers. I'm sure the 16ft model might fit the bill for those smaller paddlers. It handles surprisingly well in all the conditions I've had it in including 15+kt winds and waves of 3 ft. It isn't a surfing kayak but stable in the above conditions. Mine handles as well as my commercial skeged boats in both beam and following seas which says a lot. The kit of my newer model is a bit different as the hull has a bit more V making the innitial stability a bit tender but in conditions that difference disappears. However for a new paddler it might be a bit disturbing Overall a kit well worth building and one that is relatively easy to make. That said, Eric's newer design, the Shearwater is a better kayak in my oppinion. Just as neutral in wind but more maneuverable.

wonderful - handles rough water very well and maneuvers very well. Easiest boat to roll I have ever used. I wouldn't use it for loaded touring as I like more room for storage.