: 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.

Sláinte,

Now there's a traditional Irish name, you must be from SA, so am I. I think my mom made a spelling mistake on my birth certificate and it stuckt :)
We think alike, I'm OCD and when I do something I do it right. I agree, using cheaper materials will not save me much money, and considering the time and effort that goes into building something then I would rather use marine grade materials. This is going to be a learning kayak, mainly learning how to glass the hull and deck with epoxy for the day when I build my stripper.

Thanks to all for the input.

Ettienne Schwagele