Maybe all our opinions are the same...... ???

I am building 3 boats right now and have 1 1/2 deck frames built. One, I'm using Mark Starr's book, one I'm using Robert Morris' book and then I will combine the best, or my favorites, to build a third boat.

I have now picked up Chris Cunningham's book and I like it as well.

Of the three, it would be hard to choose as they are all good books. I really enjoyed Starr's book while putting the first frame together and I believe it's a little more detailed than Morris' book. Cunningham's book is the most detailed and a really nice read as well.

As for cheap, I used / am using pine ( molding grade ) for all three frames and probably ash for the ribs and coaming. I believe that Bob Kelim has used plain ole Doug-fir for his last frame or two. You just have to look for smaller knots that won't comprimise the strcutural integrity of the frame.

For tools, you can get away with a jig saw, block plane, drill and a couple of bits, square and/or T-bevel ( although you can make one with Starr's book ), a chisel or two and the needles and twine to sew it all together with. You can go with one of 3 different types of cloth, nylon, polyester or just plain ole canvas.

Buying for all their boats at one time will save many $$$$'s and trips to the local materials provider. And by doing so, you can use the longer boards to start on the bigger boats first, and work your way down in size and use every little scrap until there's not a useable piece of wood left.

I think that's about as cheap as you can get. Hope it helps!!
You will certainly get all the help you/they need off this and the GTBB when needed. And from some of the best and most well know builders around.

Get them all involved and they will really appreciate those boats much more.

Rehd