: Just build it!!

: If your boat is a "learning" boat, then go cheap and skip
: the marine plywood and look for some void-free 5.2 mm ply for
: $15 for 4x8.

: Skip scarfs. Butt joins are fine. I just taped the seams on my
: Guillemot S&G... even quicker and easier than butt joins.

: I bought cheap, off-brand epoxy on ebay, and I was delighted with
: the results. Glass too!

Hi ettienne. I recommend going the other way. Always use the best materials you can find. For most people time is the most valuable commodity they have. If you factor in your time then even expensive materials are a small proportion of the project cost. Quality materials are less likely to disappoint, and even ones first boat can be a work of art.

I know you are familiar with woodworking so it does not apply, but even for a total novice (unless there is only going to ever be a single boat built), I would also go for the scarfing etc. It may take a little more time but it is all part of skill development.

I definitely agree with the GO FOR IT attitude. Read the instructions twice before starting and try to visualize the process, and then again at every step, measure twice before every cut, but keep the job moving and be prepared to make the odd mistake. If are too hesitant the project slows and sometimes the impetus can go out of it and it can stall altogether.

My 2 cents

Etienne - with a capital E and an unpretentious single t.