About a month ago I posted a message on the board asking for advice for a novice. After reading the threads, getting a few books and reading them, searching articles in old wooden boat magazines, I finally started my boat. Thanks to those that have given advice. I chose the Guillemot, lofted the plans, got them all set up on the strongback (took about 8 hours for that alone) bought wood locally and got the suppliers mill work shop to strip it full length, and milled the coves and beads myself. This weekend I began stripping. I've been trying to do it with as few staples as possible, but I had a heck of a time getting the shear strips to hold in place. Destroyed two strips and used tons of hot glue, finally accepted the fact that some staples would be necessary. I have six strips in place, and my running total of time is around 40 hours at this point. Will I really be able to paddle this thing one day, before my wife leaves me and my children go off to college? (they are 5 and 7 at this point).