Pete I planned to do the same thing you have in mind, only I was going to practice on a stitch and glue car top carrier so my stitch and glue kayak would benefit from all the experience. I have been paddling the kayak this summer having a ball. The car top carrier is about 75% done. Both of them turned out pretty good for a rookie fabricator. I suggest you start building the kayak. If you get to a point where you need some help post another message. You can always stop building, but if you never start you'll never float. Do it! Jeff