First, these guys are right don't worry about it, just build the boat.

If you come out with some terrible flaws, just paint the dumb thing and consider it you beater boat. You'll probably enjoy paddling it more since you don't have to worry about the finish any more.

BTW a while back WoodenBoat magazine had an interesting boat in there launching sections. It looked like a rather odd squared-off fabric on frame design, then the second picture showed what it really was, the cover to his pickup which also served as his boat! :)

cheers and good luck