: The problem is that I have zero tools besides basic handtools.

It sounds like you are contemplating building a stitch and glue design. If you get the kit you will still want to get a power sander. You'll need that to smooth the edges of the taped joints. Sanding by hand is possible, but tedious and very slow. Even the cheapest electric sander beats hand sanding for this task.

: I know people
: who have power saws, but I hate to mooch that much and take up their time
: because I wouldn't know how to use them safely myself.

For a stitch and glue boat you can cut the panels with a very sharp carpenter's utility knife if you are using 3 mm or 4mm plywood. The thicker the wood gets, though, the longer it takes and the less you will like it. Most people use an electric sabre saw. The cheapest one from Sears is $29.95. I bought one a couple of months ago. It is NOT a fancy tool, but with the right blade it cut 1/8th inch steel for the bike rack I was making. It can certainly cut thin sheets of plywood.

www.craftsman.com will get you to their online store.

You will also need a drill for making lots of tiny holes for those stitching wires. You can use a hand drill (Yankee drill, brace and bit, or eggbeater style drill) or for about the same price you can buy a cheap electric drill.

The cost of the tools and the plywood is going to be less than the cost of your kit. Probably far less. You will spend more time on the project, as you will need to layout the plans and cut the pieces, but this is enjoyable building time.

Since you'll probably buy your wood first and buy the fiberglass to cover it later you can spread out your costs, allowing you to get started while the weather is cold. Then, when the weather gets warm enough, you can drag the hull out into the sunlight and glass it. Kits usually want you to come up with all the cash upfront.

As for safety. All the electric tools come with instruction pamphlets that start with pages of safety advice. These pages are very obvious and usually start: "READ THIS BEFORE USING".

In addition, your library probably has several basic books on carpentry. Almost every one will have a section on how to safely use power tools.

If you don't see these on the shelves in the adult section, don't be ashamed to check in the young adult or juvenile section. Also look for the Boy Scout merit badge book on woodworking, or for any 4-H publications. In some neighborhoods people feel it is important to teach these ideas to their children at an early age. 4-H and Scout programs definitely emphasize safety and proper use and care of tools. Authors of some of the books written for adults sometimes assume their readers have already learned these skills, and that is just not always the case. If your local high school has a woodshop class, call the school and get in contact with the instructor. Ask for advice on what books to look into.

at the moment I have in front of me Reader's Digest's "Complete Do-it-yourself Manual,which spends 40 pages on how to use hand tools, and about that many on how to use and buy small power tools. I got this as a gift amny years ago, but I have also seen it at the local library.

: For my first
: attempt, I think I'll be happy to build from a kit and get the feel of it
: all.

I don't want this note to sound like I am against kits. I'm not. but it sounded to me like you were already 'getting the feel for this', and liking the feel. A bit more reading and you might feel up to the extra tasks.

Go for full size plans for your first boat, though. You just attach these to the plywood with some dabs of rubber cement and cut along the lines.

: I also don't know if it's possible to get mahogany plywood about
: here. Geez, I don't feel like I know anything!

If a truck can get to your town, then the plywood can get there. There are several mail-order lumber suplier ho have web pages. Contact them about shipping details and costs. Some boat designs work well with the inexpensive plywoods found at your local lumberyard or building center -- and some absolutely require the flexibility of 3mm marine grade plywood.

What design are you contemplating? Others on this board who have built that model may be able to give you more info on whether it is an easy one to build from plans, or if there are distinct advantages to using the kit. Pick our brains.

hope this helps

PGJ