: My $.02,

: A) Seems like you really want a greenlander, I suggest finding a
: way to have one. A chopped version or a well performing boat
: that is short enough for the condo but isn't a greenland style
: will likely not satisfy. It might take finding a place to store
: it, raising some extra bucks for a folder etc. You'll be happier
: in the long run. btw, while trying to figure out what you want
: is excellent, what is ideal for you as a novice will not be
: ideal for you later. As another said, if you go for the expert
: boat right off, you may not last long enough in the sport to
: ever learn to use it.

: B) You may be able to get away without dowelling if you are very
: careful, but something to pin the parts together will make it
: much easier to build and will likely add some strength and
: ensure things don't get out of alignment during the process.

: C) If you use plans, you would be well advised to follow them.
: Designers are generally experienced and put alot of thought into
: the designs. That said, floating coamings work well as long as
: they're suitable for the designed structure.

: D) SOF boats are already quite light relative to most other types
: of construction, so I wouldn't worry much about weight,
: especially if you are building a scaled down or smaller boat.
: Using pine won't make the boat much heavier, and you don't have
: to risk compromising strength.

: E) Artists' colours seem to be the most often recommended for best
: results. Look up the threads on this and the Qajaqusa forum.

: Research is great, but if you've only done a week of it I suggest
: you've only barely begun. Keep on your quest and enjoy the
: journey!

: M

: ....snip

Well put :)

Btw, one other thing to consider, Greenland boats have very long ends above the water, doing it on a 14 footer and you'll have a very short waterline length, will end up with a pretty slow boat. A 14 footer with nearly plumb ends can generally keep up with most other paddlers, if you end up with long ends and something like a 10' - 11' waterline though, all your friends you paddle with will just outdistance you pretty quick.

Bill H.

Bill H.