: You'll soon see, as I just have, that it will cost you more to outfit than it
: did to build the boat. I was checking this out at a shop yesterday myself.
: I am 6'04" so length of cockpit was important. Found a good selection
: of spray skirts to fit 18 x 34. There are some available up to 36/38
: inches long. I was advised that most people have two skirts, neoprene
: being very warm in the summer but dry, good in colder conditions. Nylon
: apparently ok when you don't mind getting a little wet when it's warmer.
: Nylon are the 35/55 dlrs skirts, neoprene are abt double. I just put up
: the question of what you wear, wetsuit, whatever, and got a lot of advice
: but in the end most said that I would eventually own everything, so buy
: good stuff even if it's used and keep adding piece by piece as when you
: can. You may want to start considering other stuff too if managing a
: budget. I quickly came up with around 500 dlrs if I don't build 2 paddles
: (spare). Check with your instructor about paddle floats and pumps,
: sponsons, etc., sure you will want additional items. Seats are expensive,
: too, and foot braces, so look into making as much as you can.

Thanks jim, I plan on building the foot braces, and have the material for the seat. I'll probably go with the neoprene first as I live in binghamton NY which is I believe five miles south of the Arctic circle. Ha Ha. If I find it too uncomfortable in the summer I can always buy the nylon, or suffer, or use nothing. I already made a greenland style paddle from a $2.75 2x4. I liked the feel so much I spent $40 for two beatiful cedar 2x4s that I plan on carving up.
Like Johnny Cash said,"I'll get it one piece at a time" Thanks for the input,
Cheers, Elliott