: But, a major breakthrough has occured. She's been watching me paddle for
: three years (but never accepted offers to come along) and has been
: watching me build my Outer Island over the winter (2 strips and I'm
: finished stripping the deck).
: Rick

Hey Rick,

I've read lots of good ideas from those who have "identified" with you (me included) and responded to your post. But, if I may, here's one more thing to consider. Granted, she may be just maturing a little and taking more of an interest in spending time with the old man, but, before I committed to a particular design, I think I'd talk with her and explain some of the differences (and show her some pics) in the types of construction and materials in relation to the build time and get a feel for what she wants.

If she's had the opportunity to "come along" but never accepted, or has not been interested . . . why now?? I'm sort of inclined to think she just may be fascinated by the beauty of the stripper that your building! If thats the case, I'd make sure that I didn't dampen her enthusiasm by building something else. Talk to her and let her have a say in what the two of you will build together. After all, its not going to take forever to build. And, as long as she can see the boat progressing, she'll stay interested. After all, it will be HER boat, right?

For what its worth - when my wife and I bought the two plastic yaks, my daughter said, "cool". When I finished my wifes Guillemot she said, "WOW!! THATS AWESOME!! WHAT A PRETTY KAYAK! IMO, thats the difference that only a stripper can make. Now, when I finish my Guillemot L, I have to build another stripper (for her). Only I don't have the pleasure of building it with her as she is finishing up Grad school.

Anyway, just my .02 worth. Let us know what you two decide.

Happy Building.

Charles.