> Nick - After looking over your designs, I think the Little Auk is exactly
> the boat I'm looking for; I'm considering building one. However, the only
> space I have is in my basement, which is fairly damp and humid. Is it
> possible to successfully build a stripper under these conditions? Because
> of the high humidity, the wood strips would be at a higher equilibrium
> moisture content, compared to building it outside, or in a less humid
> indoor environment...would this affect the glue bond, or epoxy curing? One
> other question: Can the Little Auk design be stretched to 12 feet, for
> addition carrying capacity? (And as an aside, isn't the Dagger
> "Bayou" a rip-off of your Little Auk design?) Thanks for the
> info!

Regretably there are some things that must take priority over boat building. Solve your humidity problems before you start building a boat. A damp basement leads to mold and rot, and attracts insects -- conditions that are not good for your home or your health. If a dehumidifier dries things out then you have a simple cure. The cost of electricity to run one of these is much less than the cost of repairing structural damage. If the water comes into your basement faster than a dehumidifier can remove it, then you must discover the source of the moisture and repair or eliminate the problem.

Once you get rid of the moisture problem and have a nice place to work your questions about working in moist conditions become moot.

Now, the questions come from me: Where will you be storing the boat after it is finished, and where will you be applying the varnish and epoxy? If you answer to these questions is ``Outside'' then you can probably glue up the strips under any moisture conditions that prevail, as long as you move the whole project (stongback and all) outside and let it sit there and dry out for a few days before putting on the exterior glass cloth. Then, let it dry a bit more before you put on the interior glass cloth.

Or, build it outside in the first place. Gluing and stapling strips is not a noisy job, so even if you work at night under a few yard lights the neighbors shouldn't complain.

Hope this helps

Paul G. Jacobson, (from Illinois)

not to be confused with the other Paul Jacobson (from Minnesota) By the way, it is easy to tell the difference between us. I'm the handsome one on the right, and besides, I'm going to start using my middle initial.