Hi SMehder, you have to work with what's available - you can't build a boat out of imaginary wood. I'm building a 20' 8" boat. People laughed when I started asking around for 21' boards. I settled on 14' lengths because it takes exactly three strips to circle the boat once (kind of like three 12' strips would circle an 18' boat once). I butt the strips together at staggered intervals. I cut the butt joints with a homemade miter box and a dovetail saw. Use small spring clamps to keep the joint aligned while the glue dries. They're not invisible but it's going to look great even with the small imperfections here and there. You'll be fine... And, sorry about the imaginary wood remark; I couldn't resist

Good luck with it.
- Chip