: Yeah, there are many things for me to consider. I live in the Chicago area,
: and am not aware of any significant wooden boat building resources here,
: outside of normal lumber yards.

Actually, Chicago --and the southern Lake Michigan area, from Wisconsin to Michigan -- has a lot of boating, and there are a few places that can supply the needs of people who repair those boats. Of course the same supplies are useful for building boats.

Chicago, home of Sears Roebuck, is also the historical center of mailorder! Anything you need can be ordered online, and it can be shipped to you.

:I've heard some of you in the Northwest
: talking about buying 16' red cedar lumber from the mill; I don't think I
: could get that here!

Home Depots in the area carry this size. It isn't clear, but the price is reasonable, so I buy a few more boards and cut away a few more knots. There is usually a better price on the 10' and 12' boards so I buy those and scarf them together. It is easier to carry the 12 footers home from the store, too.

You probably are not too far from me. E-mail me and I'll see what I can do to help get you started.

PGJ