: ... I can't quite think of a way to articulate how much I enjoy this board
: and all of your posts. I have been lurking here for a couple of years now,
: a year deciding what to build (I have plans for a Laughing Loon North Star
: in the garage but wimped out and went with a S&G for my first project) and
: the past year while I built my Tern. I have learned ALOT and hope to be
: able to contribute effectively now that I have some experience under my
: belt (I'm sure I'll be building more canoes, maybe a stripper open decked
: canoe next then that North Star although my wife wants me to build a
: double). Sorry for the long post and thanks much! John in Va Beach

: Hi John,

: Since Paul has answered you question I just thought I would welcome you
: aboard and congratulate you with you new boat - you realize of course that
: pictures will be required to be posted when you are finished.

: I am glad that you enjoy this board. I am sure that I speak for many of the
: regulars on this board that we post for the benefit of the people new to
: kayak building.

: I really enjoy building kayaks and encourage others to try it. As you have
: seen, with a little support from people with some previous experience,
: that building a kayak is easy to do. Basically, anybody who can hit their
: mouth with a fork [most of the time! ;-) ] can build a kayak with a modest
: investment in tools and time.

: Looking forward to seeing your posts - your experiences are fresh and
: everybody has a different perspective to their contributions [take a look
: at Spidey - his first boat and his has really stirred things up around
: here!!]. The new builders will need help.

: I am happy to read that another lurker has been converted to a builder.

: THANK YOU for joining us!

: Hank

: Note to the rest of the group: Hey it took "a couple of years" to
: convert this guy - we are going to have to try harder!!!

: ... Can you stop after building one?

You Got It Hank !!

I imagine there are many who sit out there thinking how nice it would be to build like THOSE GUYS. Little do they know that we were all once looking in from outside thinking the same thing. Most of those writing and giving their experiences have only built one or two boats. Some have built many and some do it for a living, but, we all STARTED with the first one. I, as many know, have not built a boat yet, but, have been building a shop to do it in first. But, with all the building tips I have read, copied and remembered, I should be able to tackle it with some semblance(?) of expertise when I do start on it(them). Even though I have not built a boat, I have been able to share experiences with woods, shop tools and the like, from my cabinet building work. So, I jumped in and just started talking. If you're out there and don't think you can, it won't hurt to ask questions and find out for sure. You might be surprised at how simple it will be. We all make mistakes ( even Spidey and Ross and I'll bet even George ) but, we also learn from them and if shared, can prevent others from making them. For all those mistakes you can make, there is someone here that has already made it and can help you out of it or around it. There are also new techniques that we can try. Lots to learn on this Board and how much easier to learn if you ask, and discuss it. I have only been on this board since Oct. and I've heard many things discussed over and over as new people jump in, looking for that info, and nobody minds how often the questions are asked. They always get answered.

B.T.W. I have actually started in some respects. I have all the materials for my Glen-L, Rob Roy canoe (S&G) and have the plans and part of the materials for my Guillemot, Great Auk. Just waiting for the room to do it in. Having all that "Stuff" out there and reading this board is all the incentive(?) to get this building(SHED) done since I have wanted to do it for years. In anticipation of its completion, I have cut out the panels of the Rob Roy and will be coating them with a light seal-coat of epoxy as soon as the outside temps drop down below 100*. I will also be picking up the material for my paddles. I have made a little room in the garage for that light work for now.

All that said.......I'm back to the SHED.........Rehd