: . . . I'm more and more liking the
: idea of building it here and shipping it in pieces . . .

Since you have been building S&G boats already, why not build another and ship that in pieces instead. Build the boat, install a pair of bulkheads at the front of the cockpit, cut between the bulkheads and remove the front of the kayak. Install a pair of bulkheads behind the cockpit and cut between them to remove the back.

Stuff your belongings into bags packed in the nose and tail sections and check all three sections as "luggage". So who is to say they are not just big wood suitcases? They are probably too big for carrying on the plane, but probably small enough to go with other luggage. I doubt they would put you over any weight restrictions. You might alternately ask the airline to carry them as "sporting goods". Airlines allow oversized items like pet carriers, surfboards, skis and golf bags thru, sometimes with just a nominal added fee.

When you get to the inlaw's place, install the bolts and gaskets to reconnect the pieces and in a day you have a beautiful kayak out on the water.

The picture below may help.

PGJ