Okay. You all have me hooked. I have to build a kayak. I am doing a lot of research and reading right now (but Nick you'll get an order from me soon). I have looked but not found answers though I am sure these questions have been asked before. If so please just point me in the right direction. No need to rehash old answers.

1) I cannot find a 2x4 long enough and straight enough for my strong back. I am thinking about building one up from finished particle board. I do not have the ability to rip wood either per Nick's suggestion. But I can find strips of particle board nearly the correct dimensions that I can use. Has anyone else tried this? Pros and cons? The dimensions will not build up to 2x4 exactly. I know there is nothing magical about those numbers. I will just have to adjust the hole dimensions I cut in the forms right?

2) Since I cannot make my own strips I was thinking of going with the cedar cove and bead strips as supplied by Noah's Marine. Can anyone speak to the quality of their wood. Also I noticed that the strips are slightly wider than most others. Has this been a problem? I will likely order a few extra strips of other colors for accents. Will 55-65 of those strips be enough for a first time builder?

3) I am in the San Francisco Bay area. I have found a local club's website. Good information there. Anyone else from around here have any good places to buy wood or other supplies? (Instead of going with Noah's Marine, in other words... give me a good reason to buy a table saw!)

4) My wife wants me to do this as much as I do... but she may not realize the time involved... any support groups for the wives? Okay just joking.

Thanks a lot to you all. I know that I will have more questions in the future and hope to be able to supply a few answers soon as well.

Chris