Mathew, I like what Rhed said, there might be someone near you that already is building one, especially if you are near any sizeable population. Most of the kit companies will connect you to someone near you if they can (I'm working partime for CLC just so you aren't led astray) I'd recommend renting a few kayaks while you're searching so that you are coming to the building with the end use in mind, That way you might be picking a boat with some characteristics in mind as opposed to "17' by 24 by $X" but that's just my two cents. Mike Hanks (one of the inspiring enthusiasts on this board) has some inspiring constructions going on the cheap. It's not hard, a little messy, tremendously satisfying, and at the end of it all you'll find things to do with epoxy you never thought of.