: I'm a beginner, but want to build a boat that will keep me happy for years to
: come as I improve my skills. I have a wife and four kids who will likely
: take to this sport as well, so it'll probably be a while before I can
: build another boat for myself

EXACTLY. So build a boat you're comfortable in now, and when it's time, you build a new sleeker boat for yourself and pass your first boat down to a family member who is behind you on the learning curve.

I recently completed my first project, a Pygmy Tern17, which I intended to customize for myself. Due to various building concerns, I instead ended up with a boat that can accommodate my wife, kids, or an NBA center--the perfect guest boat. So my next project will be just for me. I'll be a better paddler then, and a better builder, too!