The Cape Charles I asked about a few days ago may or may not come through. This is another good looking kayak for a good price within a days drive. I would be grateful for any
observations you might have.
Does the seat look like it was set up for a small person?
That is certainly a Pygmy Kayak but not positive which one. Looks like one of the Murrelet designs based upon measurements but not sure. If you post the pictures on the Friends of Pygmy Facebook page you will likely get the best answers. Also plenty of used boats posted there at pretty low prices. For what it is worth, I am not a fan of the Pygmys. I have built 11 kayaks and the one Pygmy (Osprey STD) was my least favorite to paddle. One thing for sure to watch is how much it weighs. The weights listed on the Pygmy website (which is still up even though the company is no longer in business) are wildly optimistic. The one I built came in 13 pounds over spec even though it was my 10th build. Bulkheads and hatches are not standard on Pygmys so that explains part of the weight difference but not all. As for buying a used homemade boat, it is buyer beware. The person who built it may have been a craftsman or maybe a hack who cut corners. In many cases, a “great deal” may end up costing more that a more expensive quality build. Pictured is the Osprey that I built for a non-profit.
Mark’s right.
definitely a pygmy - the web page with all their boats and working links is here Award Winning Boat Kits: Stitch and Glue Kit Reviews
The pygmy series all share a very consistent looking deck and in your picture, i can’t read the measuring tape. but if you look at the website or ask the seller, you should be able to identify it relatively easy. otherwise, measurements and a profile picture and we can identify it for you.
while i have not built a pygmy, i paddled one (a Coho) and i have some builder friends who have built them and are delighted with their boats. my paddling experience was unremarkable….the coho is an almost 18 foot high expedition/touring boat….and that just was not my thing. it was pretty, though.
as mark said, however, i have never seen one come in close to the advertized weights on their website. i would also highlight that outside of build quality or design, and probably most important in making a boat work is about the size of the boat (length, width, cockpit size and height and do you fit comfortably) and how the boat handles relative to the conditions you will be using it for. there are a lot of designs by high quality manufacturers and home builders that work great for their owner, but make no sense for somebody with a different body, experience and paddling expectations.
so i would never buy without a test paddle….
anyway, if you let us know what city you are located…lots of experienced builders who might be happy to help you evaluate one in person. as mark said and it echos comments i made, lots of variation in build quality….but if you don’t know what that looks like, probably best to take an experienced friend with you to help evaluate….or lots and lots of pictures including the insides.
btw mark, beautiful execution on your pygmy….that a really nice picture 
h
