Hi David,

I'm not a regular contributor here but have gleaned MANY insights from the many wonderful folks here.

My first boatbuilding experience was back in 1998. I was a bit stressed out and needed a woodworking project. At the same time a coworker gave me a copy of WoodenBoat magazine. Towards the back there was an advertisement for Chesapeake Light Craft. After visiting their web site, I decided the Patuxent 18 was the model for me. Long, fast, low volume, etc... I just wanted a day paddler. I ordered the kit for about $700 or so and spent another couple hundred on a paddle, varnish, paint and building supplies (sand paper, brushes and other small stuff. Bottom line came to about a thousand dollars. I had a great time building it and it paddles like a dream. It is my first and only kayak.

After that, I moved to a community with a small lake and realized a smaller open boat (i.e. canoe) would suit me better. I ordered a Sassafras 12 from CLC and built that. (I ordered the kit toward's Christmas when they had their $75 off any kit sale.)

I then volunteered to build a canoe for a friend who had always dreamed of owning a wooden boat. Together we decided the Wee Robbie from Laughing Loon was the right design to build. I ordered a kit from www.noahsmarine.com and started the building.

Starting with the stitch and glue was the right way for me to go. I learned a lot about patience and sanding. Building my first cedar strip was a second great experience.

Take a look at my web page for the chronology of the 3 boats.

Some places to look

http://www.clcboats.com
http://www.noahsmarine.com
http://www.greenval.com
http://www.laughingloon.com
Nick's Guillemot Kayak's site (look at the top of the page.)

Others that lots of folks will mention in subsequent posts.

Whatever you do - the sooner you start the sooner you can paddle!!!

Have fun!

Mark