Tom,

As the other posts stated time is going to be your most important consideration. My first strip boat took me over a year to finish and i worked hard on it. It is not difficult work but it might be too much for your senior year in high school. The s&g's are quicker and easier to build ether from plans or a kit but the skills required are less. I have pondered building kit boats with students and have conversed with other teachers about it and come up with the conclusion that have students just assemble a boat doesn't teach them enough.

So IMHO research the skin on frame boats. I would provide a great tie in with Social Studies. You could make one as authentic as you wanted. (don't kill any seals please:) It is challenging and you would learn a tremendous amount about wood, boats and other cultures. Check out harvey golden's kayak site. I would recommend putz's book but I would search out more traditional techniques.

Tom

: Let me give a little background before I ask the question. I am a 17 year old
: Scout from PA. Senior Patrol Leader, etc, etc. I am currently in the
: planning stages for a graduation project that I need to do to complete
: High School. One thing that scouting has taught me is a love for boating,
: and being on the water. I had the chance to try out Kayaks about 2 years
: ago, fell in love, and have rented, etc, every chance I have gotten. For
: this project, I need to "Learn" a large amount, to satisfy the
: requirements. ALthough I already have a decent knowledge of water, from
: experience in Canoes, Rafts, Rowboats, sailboats, and others, I have never
: had much in terms of builing or woodworking. This is where I decided that
: it would be great to build my own kayak. It's also something my dad has
: always wanted to do, so I have support from family as well.
: So the Question becomes: after looking at Guillemot, Chespeake Light Craft,
: Pygmy's and more, I am still not sure as to what would be a decent
: beginning craft. Was looking for a sew and stich, and the first that
: appealed was the Chesapeake 17, but I obviously do not have enough
: experience to make a proper judgement. I need something that will provide
: a large challenge, but at the same time also be possible to build. I was
: hoping that if anyone has any ideas on this issue, they could either post
: here, or e-mail me.

: Thanks,
: Tom.