: I want to build the boat, but I'm not sure I want the finished product. I
: would prefer a plastic boat to actually USE since I am interested in doing
: whitewater kayaking. I just want to BUILD the boat for the building not
: the finished product, hence I'm not sure if i should spend 700 dollars on
: building a kayak when its likely just goign to sit in the basement for the
: next 30 years.

Build a model of a sea kayak and buy the plastic river boat that fits your paddling needs. Paddle the plastic boat during the day, work on the wood model at night. My point is, if the kayak that you build with your own hands is just going to sit in your basement, make it smaller. Cost: Used plastic kayak $200-500, Gear $200-500, Model kayak collecting dust $20-80. If you are truely up to it try to build a model, then let us know how it went.
SMF