Josh,
I agree with Pete. I am finishing a project with luan (the cheap wood route at $8 sheet) and now realize that is not the biggest expense. I was bound to go this way for this project due to budget constraints but if I built again I would use Okoume. I have also learned a lot about epoxy and I have wasted a ton of it on this project. That is the big item as Pete says. I figured I would do such an ugly building job that I would need to paint so why buy nice wood. Well now I am seeing that my first attempt is not as ugly due to workmanship as it is to the wood itself. I am happy with my choices for a first project. I just hope that I don't find problems after using the kayak and discover that all my hard work is undermined by a bad choice in wood.

Have fun whichever route you go. I can't wait to use my kayak but the process has been fun, challenging, frustrating and enlightening.

--Tony

: Hi,

: I wanted to both introduce myself to the group and to ask for your help at
: the same time. I have been lurking here for a couple of months now. I am
: going to be building a kayak... well actually 2 but one for starters... I
: have been unemployed so could not justify the expense but start a new job
: this week and now I am ready to get going.

: I have been leaning towards the Cheseapeke 17 kayak to build as I want a
: touring kayak and am 5'10" 190.... and the cheseapeke 16 for my
: girlfriend who is much lighter.... Any other kayaks that I should look
: into. Also I have found a local Okoume plywod supplier in Chicago (I live
: in the suburbs), but was wondering about possibly using cheaper plwood for
: my first Kayak. Would you recommend this or caution against it? Any advice
: would be appreciated, and especially any first time builder
: experiences.... I have read several threads that relate, but none that
: totally answer my questions.

: Thank you very much!!!!!

: Josh