> I have finally made the decision to take on a winter project of building a
> strip kayak. Reading through this board (and the archives!) has greatly
> boosted my confidence in my ability to actually build something that
> floats! I have read Nick's book, watched the "HomeGrown Boats"
> videos and just got Ted Moores' book (Needless to say I am an information
> and research junkie). With all of this input I have decided to build, for
> the most part, using Nick's techniques (i.e. the internal boxbeam as
> opposed to the external strongback). I am planning to build the Great Auk
> as I am both a novice woodworker and a novice paddler. My questions at
> this point: 1) is it worth it to buy the premade forms? 2) I don't have
> the tools or the patience to make my own strips but don't know how many of
> what types I need (i.e. full length, half size for accents, no bead and
> cove on some etc). How to I determine this before I place an order? 3) Is
> the Great Auk a good choice (mostly flat water lakes with some potential
> for overnight) and 4) Any advice for "selling" my wife on the
> need for more tools! Thanks everyone for a terrific board and I'm sure I
> will be back with more questions as I actually get into the project.

> Rick

Rick, #4 is a trick question right ?? All kidding aside, what are the chances you can get near a kayak for rent, or maybe somebody using one at one of the lakes?? Do you think the little lady would enjoy paddling w/you and is she at all mechanically inclined ?? Spark a little interest in her and you may get all the help you need. Ya just never know !! You might also put out a plea for help in the bbs, and find someone close enough who might give you a hand with the big cutouts. ????? Might save you buying a lot of unneccessary tools. Then again, you may end up building more than one. ????? Rehd