I debated starting a stripper for at least 2 years. Finally, I took the plunge, and with each step of the process discovered that (like Churchill said) my fear was simply fear itself. It really isn't that tough in the big picture.

You will run into spots where you have a little trouble, or aren't quite sure what to do, but that's where this forum comes in. You WILL get great answers, solutions and encouragement. And, the sense of satisfation you will get is enormous.

You are correct about one more thing, as well. You probably will build more than one boat. Boat building is very addictive. I'm already anxious to finish my current (first) boat so that I can start the next.

The biggest problem I've had with my experience is time. In November, December and January, I was able to get in about 60 hours per month. But since then, I've averaged only 15 hours a month. The total hours (I think) for a first time builder is probably between 300-400 hours, and a lot of it depends on the boat design, the artistic design, options, staples or stapeless, etc etc.

In a nutshell, if you like working with wood, and you like paddling, then go for it. It's a lot more intimidating than it should be. It's really not all that tough.

Rick