Hey John,

I'm also in Los Angeles (or maybe you were referencing Lousiana? Pue-tet mon cher?)
I buy my Western Red Cedar at Arrow Fence and Lumber,
10865 Sutter Avenue
Pacoima CA 91331 818-686-3554
They're pretty cool. I think the last time they got me a 12'. Because my table saw wasn't set up I had them rip it for me. They did a great job, ripped it as efficiently as was mathematically possible.)
Bonhoff downtown can also get you wood.
Guys on the forum talk about Home Depot and Lowes, with one exception I've never seen any wood in either local store that I'd build a boat with. The exception is that Lowes now carries spruce 2x3. It's not clear, and there doesn't seem to be any clear in the stack, but there are good pieces to be had and it's cheap.

I'm 2/3rd through my second strip kayak. Based on my experience, the 'smart' thing to do is build a plywood kayak. It's easier and you're in the water that much sooner.
If you HAVE to build a strip boat, well then you'll have to build a strip boat. PTSKBS (post-traumatic strip kayak build syndrome) usually lasts about 4 years before you're over it, after that the urge to build another one may again become overwhelming.

My two cents is, if you build a stripper, forget beads and coves and just take your time and keep your plane sharp, you'll be happier with the results. Maybe start out with cheaper wood, and throw out the first hull. This is my second kayak, and my fourth deck. No matter what method you choose, it will always seem like the other method would have been better. I've a lot of experience building stuff, but I've learned when building a stripper patience builds the better kayak.

Good luck
Will

I want to build a strip kayak. I have built one SOF-F1, working on
: a CLC kit and hoping to build a bidarka this summer in a class
: with Mr. Brinck.
: So I figure I should have a strip built boat in the fleet.

: How does the cost compare between a complete kit, and buying
: supplies in the amounts for just one boat. I live in the LA
: area,
: I would consider kits from Guillemont, which means CLC if I
: understand correctly and Joe Greely and One ocean.
: I am fat and short belong to a club and don't get into the boat
: very often. Still have not got a roll down, but it is coming.
: I am looking for a day touring boat that has some stability and
: good speed. I know that is a trade off.

: I don't have a great deal of equipment, table saw, and skill saw
: and a bunch of clamps. I have a hunch getting the whole set up
: would minimize mistakes. The CLC kit is a stitch and glue Arctic
: Hawk, which has taken a long time to get to where I am in the
: process. Found out my skin does not like fiberglass so now have
: pretty good protective gear and will always wear it. (Takes a
: long time for rash to go down once I get a skin issue going).

: After the strip or may as a work up to it I think I will try a Yost
: boat the frame less /blow it up (Sonnet?) sounds very
: interesting and a lot easier to get to the water. Water so far
: has been the Colorado river and some harbors around LA, still
: taking classes and learning.

: But I found I love building boats too.

: Thanks for all the wisdom and smiles this forum has provided.

: Thoughts are welcome. One of my consideration is the cost of
: shipping and buying more tools. (Love tools,but they do cost
: money :(
: Thanks.