: oth the most woodworking skill, and the most tools as well.

: Any experienced builders care to comment on the above? As someone with no
: woodworking experience, I was hoping that SOF might even be Easier to
: build.

I'm not sure I would agree totally. You CAN use a lot of tools on the SOF boats, but about the only power tool you really need is an electric drill. Most of the rest can be done fairly easily with hand tools. The time factor is much less with the SOF, but depends on your woodworking skills and "Sharp" tools. Materials probably have the edge as well, but some have built some pretty inexpensive S & G boats by searching out less expensive materials.

A jigsaw will ease some of the wood shaping, but most of that can be done with a hand-plane and/or spokeshave. Mortices can be done for the ribs and deck-beams with a router, or drill, but can also be done with a chisel alone. You can buy materials at or near the sizes you want ( 1 x 2, 1 x 4, ) or glue them up out of the smaller sizes.

I guess it all boils down to what YOU are willing to do or enjoy doing the most. Plus, on a S & G boat, what you build... good or bad, is out there for everyone to see. On a skin boat, the skin will hide most of the little errors and with a nice stitching job, most will probably not be noticed. If you like working with your hands the Skin boats will probably give you more satisfaction, what with all the cutting, shaping, fitting, sewing, and tying of joints.

If you are a total beginner at woodworking, it probably doesn't matter which you build as the learning curve is about equal, but in different directions. The Skin boats generally come out a few $$$'s cheaper and are most often quicker to build.

As to building time and $$$'s, the skin boats take more time cutting and fitting the frame and the expense is pretty much divided between the frame and skin, depending on quality of fabric.
The S & G boats are possibly quicker to put the basic boat together ( cutting and stitching the plywood ) but the bulk of time and money comes in with the fiberglass covering.

In terms of woodworking skills the Skin boat would require maybe a tad more plus a little sewing, but the S & G boat requires woodworking and fiberglassing skills.

I am a woodworker and seam-"ster", and this is just my opinion. As I say, it just depends on your skill level and what you enjoy more! If you are not sure, then I can see two boats in your future.... or why not three... don't forget the mega-pride factor in building a Stripper... More $$$'s, more skill, but, probably much more pride in you creation and more attention from spectators...

A lot can be learned by reading the books out there on both construction methods. At least you can decide which you would rather tackle.

Don't know if that helps any, but.... it's out there.

Rehd