: What other plans, resources are out there that you guys can recommend?

Well I don't know for sure if your heart's set on a traditional canoe or not, or if recommending a S&G design to you is out of the question, but you might want to consider a more pirogue style boat (more kayak looking), that could also meet your family's needs. Check out some older designs by John Michalak, he designed the Toto and the Larsboat and the plans are between $17 to $20. I'm currently building a 6.5 foot model version of the Toto with strip decks fore/aft. Cool design. I will be building one full sized (or bigger). Also great for an electric motor (or at least the option for one).

Just thought I'd throw this out there, trying to give you alternate ideas.
SMF

The link below has the Larsboat half way down, for the Toto go to : http://homepages.apci.net/~michalak/1apr03.htm