Half way through stripping the hull of my Laughing Loon Panache a broken collar bone has forced me to switch from "building" to "thinking about building." So now I'm taking this chance to thank you all for providing an excellent forum for us beginners to listen in on. It's been a great help.

Two things stand out as really helpful for me:

1) Directions: When in doubt follow them. The boat designer really does know what he's talking about. In this case that's Rob Macks. Thanks Rob. Your plans and instructions are great.

2) Duct tape: It is a very good thing. I haven't used a staple yet. I've been using a combination of tape, pony clamps, wedges, bags of salt, and on occasion one of those little U-shaped jigs.

Without all the advice from y'all I'd wouldn't be as far along as I am.

Now here's my advice for other northern builders: When building in St. Paul, Minnesota during the month on February keep at least one bag of salt available for de-icing the sidewalk and front steps. The heavy bags do a great job at holding strips down on those tough curves but next winter I'll use at least one to salt the walk ;^)

So for now -- no more stripping. I am able to build the forms for the coaming and hatches and with a little help from my wife I'll be able to do the laminations and until my shoulder heals I'm open to any tips on one-armed building.