I hope you can plan on something other than a kayak as a gift for your kids graduation :-). Your times are a little slow, but this is your first boat and the process will speed up a little as you go. I recommend that you don't get too obsessive about staples as such especially on the hull. The deck is easier to avoid staples, and you will be more experience by the time you get to it.

> 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).