I'm reminded of a recent article in Cabinetmaker Magazine about small shops. In the instance of a certain shop operated by a husband and wife, he was too much the perfectionist and allowed that he could not make a living by himself: He depends on his wife to know when it's "good enough" to suit the customer. Each of us will have varying standards, some entirely self-derived and others driven by the standards of others (if you offer boats for sale.) I was raised in a religious tradition that teaches that sin is an inescapable human condition from the time of conception and that perfection in unattainable this side of the grave. Point being, each of us has to accept himself and his work as "good enough" at some level of attainment that each must decide on his own. If you're in business, how much that coincides with your customer's wishes will determine your level of success. If you're building for your own use, it will decide how much time you spend building versus how soon you put the boat on the water. You make the decision. Tom

: Well said Nick!

: I am only half way through my current strip-built boat and my wife is very
: worried I am going to build yet another. So much to learn and so many
: boats to build.

: I also build furniture and have yet to build a "perfect" piece.
: Often times, like yourself, I have a piece that has many blemishes that I
: know are there yet when I deliver the piece, the customer raves and their
: guests rave. Plus, with kayaks and furniture, the pristine appearance the
: piece has is soon gone after the first or second time you use it.