Building outside is definitely an option as I am doing it now--don't be discouraged by this post, just be aware of the issues associated with it. Given a choice of not building or building outside then build outside I would. There are a number of drawbacks to it that I have experienced and/or worried about. Most of them are due to the fact that I did not want to spend money building an enclosure to work in because of budget constraints. If a stable/secure enclosure can be built then most of these items are no longer problems. Here are some situations to be aware of...

1. Wind is crafty and can knock over a sawhorse/1/2" ply table assembly if the sawhorse legs are not very solid. This can be especially disheartening if it happens while the hull is stitched to the cradles.
2. Stitches will tear the heck out of poly tarps and let a lot of rain in. I use three overlapping tarps and plenty of PVC clamps to hold them in place.
3. If you are not building from a kit you may have some tedious moments laying out paper patterns in mildly windy weather. A helper is a good idea for that although I didn't have one and eventually managed it during one long Saturday.
4. Sunburn (yeah, I'm an idiot).
5. Subject to vandalism/theft (if you live in such an area and do not take precautions).
6. Can't leave all tools and supplies out for quick sessions (unless they are sheltered and not prone to theft).
7. Weather, weather, weather. Staring out into the rain knowing that you are ready to move on to the next step can really be a bummer. Affects epoxy hardening and curing also.
8. Time, time, time. Affected by weather, weather, weather.

I am close to putting glass cloth on the boat and am very worried about that due to weather, bugs and the like. If I had a place to build this kayak, I would have been finished by now and likely would have taken more time with some items that I rushed to beat the weather. Overall the process would have been more enjoyable although I have had quite a bit of fun even working outside. I really like the idea of a sectional stitch and glue in 3 parts attached at the bulkheads. It seems like a real flexible situation for transporting and storing a normal sea kayak.

There are advantages to building outside such as Paul mentioned and of course you are outside enjoying the weather.

Anyway, Paul, I realize you are posting in response to Martin's post but I thought I'd throw in my two cents. I tried not to be too pessimistic in my response while pointing out possible problems.

--Tony

PS--I was wondering what type/model of kayak(s) you have built. I have received good advice from you several times since I started coming to this forum and was curious what you own project(s) was or is.

: Why not just build the whole thing outside?

: It would probably take less time than cutting it in half and reassembling.

: You could cover your assembly area with plastic tarps to keep off rain
: between building sessions.

: This would keep the sawdust, sanding dust and epoxy fumes out of the house,
: too.

: If you start cutting and assembling the parts on a holiday weekend you could
: end up with something resembling a boat. Of course that means you woud
: need to scarf the panels a few days, or the weekend, before. (Things go
: faster when you have a helper. Maybe you can catch one by filling a cooler
: with beverages and using that for bait.)

: Just a thought

: PGJ