: When people ask me, "Can I build one?" I say,"Yes,
: you can. Building never crosses the mind of someone who
: can't"

: But I would add GET INSPIRED! If you have desire and tenacity you
: will overcome any obstacle. Wood & Canvas, Skin on Frame,
: Stitch-n-Glue, or Stripper, find a boat design to love and do
: it!

: I was building stripper canoes in the eighties when I saw the cover
: of George Putz's book "Wood and Canvas Kayak
: Building."

: That cover picture MADE ME want to build a kayak!

: And another thing. Something we never mention.

: Here, it's before 7 am on the Fourth of July holiday, and I'm down
: in the kitchen screwing down the new wide pine floor I'm
: installing. I can't wait for 7:30 to start up my planer and dust
: collector to continue adding new boards, but I don't want to see
: how angry my neighbors might get if I start too early. Then my
: mother-in-law comes out of the bathroom and says, "You're
: up early!" She must think I'm nuts. And I think, "Why
: am I up this early?" That's easy. Because it's fun!

: Because it's fun! When you're working on something you want to do,
: you have the right tools, you know what you want to achieve, and
: you're making progress, it's a blast!

: BUT HERE'S the real secret no one talks about. YOU GET HIGH!

: Ever hear runners talk about the high they get, when they're
: cruising along mile after mile.

: Well making things gives you a high too. You focus on the work, you
: lose track of time, and you feel good.

: That's why we do it. People here talk about being addicted to boat
: building. Of course they are!

: Join the club. But don't tell anybody our dirty little secret!

: All the best,
: Rob

: Happy Fourth of July

: Bang! Bang!

Beautifully said Rob!
You hit the proverbial nail right on the head. It is not possible for a creative person to build just one boat - or just one type of boat. The experience becomes more exciting, envigorating and rewarding with each new experience. After building a sailing skiff and three kayaks, I have plans in hand for three more kayaks, but am looking seriously at your Solo Portage canoe for my next project. -Wes