I havn't built a geodesic boat yet, but I got the study plans and the video from the Monforts, and am planning on building (at least) one of the boats. I too think that this would be a good project to do with the kids (two daughters, 2.5 & 5 yrs old).

Some of the designs look really cool (the 8' dinghy, most of the canoes, the various Whitehalls). The kits that he sells have all the dacron skin, the kevlar tape, clips, heat sensitive adhesive, and a couple of other things. Basically everything but the wood. I think you could get away building a boat for under $200~$300 including the plans. Between the kids, the house, the wife and the job, I will get to one as soon as I get the time...

Jeff

: Hello, Have you built one of Mr. Monfort's designs? I've been looking over
: his boats.....I like the concept for his brand of skin on frame. I also
: like the decked canoe (kayak???)design. I'd like to get your impressions
: of the boats, if you have experience with them. Looks like a couple of the
: canoes would be a good project to do with my kids......... What type of
: "skin" comes in the kits?