I haven't built this boat, but I studied with the designer! Mark Rogers, of Superior Kayaks in Whitelaw, Wisconsin. I helped him build our double skin on frame baidarka during a workshop. I saw that manual, and I have to say, you're lucky to have it...that book can be applied to any wooden boat build. From what I gather from the designer's personality, your boat is designed to work for you in the worst of situations, and strength in the seams is someplace where Mark Rogers would not skimp on safety...if you have questions, I'm sure he would be happy to answer them. His wife Celeste has a very good understanding of building too... They run a family business and they really are special people.
Bill Cruz