: . . .I still have to add in the final cost for seating, footrest,
: Varnish, paddle and a new pick-up to transport it. . .

About that pickup: Might be the wrong vehicle for transport. They are higher than cars, and by the time you add a rack over the cab, and a rack of similar height over the bed, it gets to be pretty high to lift the boat. Sure, you can prop up one end, climb in the back and lift it from there, but it is more work.

Consider getting a 4x8 utility trailer kit. It will take about 6 to 8 hours to bolt it together and probably another 6 to 8 hours to fabricate racks for it so it can carry several boats. Add on some boxes for gear and PFDs, and you are ready to roll. Almost any car with a trailer hitch can pull one of these small trailers. They are lower to the ground so kids (of any age) an load and unload their own boats. And with a bit of care and an occasional grease job on the bearings, they'll outlast several vehicles. Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, menards, and several others sell these kits. Something with a 900 pound capacity (enough for 10 boats!) sells for $250 to $400. With bigger wheels and bearings these can carry up to 1250 pounds and would sell for about $75 more. Look for sales or special offers on free shipping and you'll save more. The Haul Master trailer, product #42709 at Harbor Freight is pictured below. Photo from their web site. They normally sell it for $299, but I see it is on sale right now for $279. It is frequently on sale, and if you get on Harbor Freight's mailing list (sign up online) you'll occasionally get coupons good for up to 40% off of 1 regularly priced item in the store. That's when I go shopping for the expensive items!

I make 2' high sides from particleboard (well painted!) and the floor is 3/4 plywood. That encloses the trailer so I can carry concrete sacks, lumber, motorcycles, etc. All of this can be easily and quickly removed if you want to mount a boat rack directly to the bare frame.

Check with your state about a license plate for the trailer. Usually all you need is the receipt when you apply for a title to the homebuilt trailer.

If you don't want to assemble a trailer yourself, Lowes and Home Depot usually have preassembled ones on the back edge of their parking lots.

If you have a shortbed pickup, you'll appreciate the ability to carry full 4x8 sheets of plywood. If you have a motorcycle you'll REALLY appreciate how much easier it is to load a trailer than a pick up!

Just a thought fo ryou.

PGJ