I have finally made the decision to take on a winter project of building a strip kayak. Reading through this board (and the archives!) has greatly boosted my confidence in my ability to actually build something that floats! I have read Nick's book, watched the "HomeGrown Boats" videos and just got Ted Moores' book (Needless to say I am an information and research junkie). With all of this input I have decided to build, for the most part, using Nick's techniques (i.e. the internal boxbeam as opposed to the external strongback). I am planning to build the Great Auk as I am both a novice woodworker and a novice paddler. My questions at this point: 1) is it worth it to buy the premade forms? 2) I don't have the tools or the patience to make my own strips but don't know how many of what types I need (i.e. full length, half size for accents, no bead and cove on some etc). How to I determine this before I place an order? 3) Is the Great Auk a good choice (mostly flat water lakes with some potential for overnight) and 4) Any advice for "selling" my wife on the need for more tools! Thanks everyone for a terrific board and I'm sure I will be back with more questions as I actually get into the project.

Rick