: Thanks Dan.
: What are you waiting for man....get building and have fun paddling come
: spring. The Auk should be a decent compromise for what you have stated
: your looking for in a kayak. You won't find a single kayak that will fit
: everything you want it to do....No problem, just build a couple different
: kayaks.

: This is actually my 2nd strip build. My first was a guillemot double. As for
: the costs; after spending more time on the net I have found many less
: expensive resources for materials and I could save a bundle. I paid almost
: double for the fiberglass cloth compared to what I could get it for. I was
: initially concerned about cloth being treated with velum?, and most boat
: supply houses did not advertise it this way. I ended up buying from a
: company that caters to construction of aircraft. Same with epoxy.

: Don't forget to factor in the shipping charges when you order. Most epoxies
: will have a hazardous shipping charge and rolls of fiberglass may have an
: extra charge for "irregulars" or for "no converyer
: belt"

: Next order of fiberglass will go to (Fiberglas Supply Inc)

: http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/default.asp

: They have a very wide selection and the best prices I've seen for carbon,
: kevlar, and others....although I have not used these. In fact I could have
: built with kevlar for less than I did for standard E glass at the prices I
: paid compared to their prices.(kevlar does not wet out clear, so I really
: wouldn't want to do that...at least on the exterior).

: and Epoxy will be (Raka) http://raka.com/ which has had many favorable
: comments on this board.

: I still need to get foam for a seat and some foot braces and that will bring
: my expenditures close to $500. However, I still have enough fiberglass for
: another kayak and enough strips to get a good start. The redwood price
: also seemed to be a real killer. That alone added $30 to the total cost,
: but I wanted to have dark wood for contrast, so it was worth it. (it also
: adds a lot of weight)

: I just checked to see what my costs were on the guillemot double and that
: rang up close to $750.

: I would be courious to see what others have built these two boats for.
: Comments here from other builders for comparison would be appreciated.

: I factor everything into my costs...masking tape, foam brushes, sand paper
: and even gas when I have made the 100 mile trips to Duluth for supplies
: and to get to a Menards and Home Depot. The little things really do add up
: over time.

: I also spent about another $500 in building the 1st kayak on misc tools and
: kayak gear such as paddles, spray skirts, carrier bars for the car etc.

: Tom

Money is one factor. I am also a bowhunter and 2 bows just got finished 2 days apart...wasnt expecting that ! I figured on the 14ft auk buying the plans and going at it come the beginning of Feb.

Are you from Mn? Where abouts? I was scuba diving up north of Duluth, split rock lighthouse. Thats pretty wild if ya are!!!

Anyways, I am worried about not even being able to fit in it one (not big, dunno what to expect though without the plans), and dont know what would be the best to start on! I love the looks of the gillemot's but dont want something that long for river running until I hit the big waters (which wont be for another year till I learn HOW to Kayak )! I'll let you know what I come up with. No one can seem to say ya that is a good design (other then you), everyone says this and that about the hull..I hardly know what they are talking about without looking it up hehe! Any help, cost saving etc is much appreciated..Thanks for the link Tom, I will definatly save that one!