Hi Kirk,

I'm building a Shearwater Baidarka S&G at the moment. I have young children and have found that after they are in bed is a great time to work on the kayak. A couple of hours a night and the work progresses quite quickly. Plus the building process is super enjoyable, and helps me to unwind after working and chasing kids around all day.
I've kept loose tabs on the time invested and I'm into the project for about 80 hours now and expect to invest aother 40 before I'm finished. The model of kayak I chosen requires some additional steps in the building process that other models would not, plus I can get a little AR-ish at times, plus I have a tendency to have some lengthy stareing sessions when I see the beautiful(IMO) boat that is coming together before my eyes.

So, nose to the grindstone, shoulder to the wheel,... you've got plenty of time.
Stay focused, manage your time well, and make sure to take time to enjoy the building process.

Ken

: Hello all. I have very much enjoyed this terrific board and want to thank
: everybody in advance.

: Ok so here is my dilema. Ive got to buckle down in September and begin
: studying for a professional exam. I promised myself that after I finished
: college I would build myself a boat and I really really want to. The
: problem is now that Ive got the space (new porch) Im not sure if Ive got
: the time left. I was considering building a Walrus and have the terrific
: book by Putz. Being that I live in Arizona I fear for the safety of this
: boats hull in our lakes around here, lots of sharp rocks and submerged
: trees to mess it up. So today I was considering buying another book titled
: "The New Kayak Shop", which has plans for a stitch and glue type
: kayak that sounds pretty good.

: So I need honest opinions, how long does it take most people to build either
: of these boats while still holding down a job, family, and normal
: responsible guy type of obligations? Ive been dreaming about building a
: boat since about mid way through college and cant wait to begin. If it is
: imposible to complete such a project by September then I will wait so I
: can do it right. So I really do appreciate everybody's opinion.

: Thanks again to all who contribute to this terrific board.

: Kirk