: Hey guys...

: somewhere recently i read about folks building them on a sailboat deck and
: sidewalk (maybe in the FAQ on Nick's site). i took that to mean that being
: exposed to ambient weather/temp/moisture isn't a terribly big deal...for
: the stripping. it sounds like the epoxy needs a little more climate
: control and UV protection. i was thinking about tarping some space beside
: my little shop to do the assembly/build and hoping the weather would
: improve to a point that i could do the epoxy in place...

The first kayak i built on the porch of my summer house : No coffee there for the best of 3 years, with at tarp as cover in between building. Only went there weekends+holidays to build.

The second kayak i have been building on for 3 years in our guest-room. Still only building (every other) weekend(s). Scaled it down, so it could fit into the room. Since we're on the 1st floor, i't going to be a larger operation getting it out (of the window) next weekend.

Epoxying is best done indoors, where you can control the climate (not the other way around), but my neighbours didn't take it lightly, because it's a wee bit smelly. Outside is doable, just search the forum for suggestions re. heat/cold/humidity etc.

I'd buy a complete kit with forms,strips, cloth, epoxy etc. seeing you have a deadline. The 2nd kayak was for my wifes 40th birthday. Sunday she's turning 43.
If you must cut your own strips, skip bead & cove and hand-bevel. It's pretty easy and you can start stripping without tinkering too much with the router-bits.

Choose a design with not-so-curvy areas at the bow/stern, which is easier (read:faster) to strip. Stripping the bow on the Expedition Single was a pain (but the result is beautiful).

Good luck,

Jesper,
Copenhagen, DK