Hi,

I built a King from one of Joe's kits a few years ago. I really love the boat. Since you are an experienced kayaker, you've probably noted the Swedeform design and the other particulars so I'll just speak to the kit. This was my first (and so far only) strip kayak. Before this one I built one of CLC's stitch and glue boats. Joe's kit comes with all the stuff you'll need save glue, sandpaper, tools, etc. The instructions are quite good, though there were a few things I had to think about. I didn't find it all that hard to work through it but I did have experience with epoxy and fiberglassing from the first boat. That being said, whatever kit you get, you'll have to do that. Joe was always quick to answer any e-mail questions I had and supplied supplemental information when necessary to help me think about things I might like to do. The main advantage of the kit is that the strips and the forms are already done for you and the strongback and attachment "brackets" are there as well. That was worth it to me. If you have any other particular questions, shoot me an e-mail.

Mike

: I'm an an experienced sea kayaker but an absolute newby in building
: kayaks--I've developed an obsession with building either a strip or a
: plywood boat--I need something at least 17 feet long and no more than 22
: inches wide--also want a Greenland type design--I'm looking at kits rather
: than building one from scratch due to my limited ability with tools---the
: redfish King really appeals to me but I know nothing about these
: kits--does anybody here have any experience building one? all comments
: will be appreciated