You have a very thoughtful response already on the board in how to get started. Like you I posted here. Got a lot of good advice. I read several books, bought several, for stripping I'd suggest Nick's book David Hazen's, Strippers Guide to Canoe Building, and researched some periodical articles. Decided to build a Guillemot, perhaps a challenging beginner project, but doable with time and care. I'm having fun, learned several new skills and improved some old ones I hadn't used much. I started lofting the plans in February. I'm almost finished stripping. Think I may get finished with everything by mid summer. Get going and start something that you like the looks of. I like the curves of a stripper as opposed to the harder chines and deck/hull joint of a stitch and glue, but it truly is a matter of preference and personal choice. It likely won't be your last boat building project. Good luck!