: I am an elementary teacher, so between summer classes and paddling I would
: like to have the boat on the water by September! (?)

For a stripper, this would be a lofty goal. If you keep the design simple its do-able. Start getting fancy with strip going this way and that -N- you'll be launching in September 2002 or 2003. I'm guessing 200-300+ hours for a first boat with no wild and fancy stripping. Get too fancy and you might track your progress with a monthly or yearly calendar.

: I am in love with my wife and wood! I am a woodworker...so, yes.

Great The goal is to be in love with both when the boat is done. Keep in mind; once you finish your boat you'll have to start building your wives'. This is a good thing. The first boat is a learning experience but will be beautiful. The second will take all the skills picked up from the first run and WOW what a result. Your wife will love it and will hopefully get involved with the building process. BTW there are many female builders on this site.

: I don't know those abbreviations...Sand & Gravel? Son of a Friend?

Great guesses:

S&G=Stitch and Glue. Plywood panels are stitched together with copper wire or small zip ties and then glued in place with epoxy and fibrglass tape. A much faster building process with 60-100 hours maybe more. The end result depends on the grain of the plywood and the level of finish you can achieve. Last year there were some stunning S&G boats at the west coast rendezvous. Still, they can't match (in my opinion) the look of a stripped boat. S&G's can be built from plans at a very reasonable price.

SOF=Skin-On-Frame. SOF kayaks offer a different type of wood work and skill. I think SOF's also need the least amount of fancy tools. SOF's can be built using modern building techniques (Walrus SOF has a frame similar to a girder bridge) or very traditional systems involving steam bending and lashing. The dimensions are based on physical measurements from your own body. The skin is a nylon/synthetic cover or canvas.
One advantage of SOF's is they are relatively quick to build. 40-80 hours.

Hybrid kayaks use more than one building system. Usually an S&G bottom and sides with a stripped top. There are many variations. One of the most beautiful kayaks I've seen is a hybrid. The hopeful advantage is a quicker building system with a beautiful stripped top.

: Novice is the key word!

Kayak building is a progressive learning system. Everyday you get a new challenge that is a step forward from the days before challenge. It is very satisfying. Luckily you've got the BBS. Get stumped or just need encouragement. Log on and post your question or progress. Hundreds of builders who should be working on business related projects at their place of work come to your side.

: But thanks for asking!

Sorry I went on so long. Speaking of work... back to the financial report.

Roger

PS This is all just my humble opinion so take it for what its worth