You have no doubt by now read the other responses, and I can only echo the same views but I thought I would add my two cents worth because I built virtually the same boat and I know the excitement one feels when others share your passion for something. It sounds like you have had more woodworking experience than I so you are more than qualified. I built the Osprey double and it turned out really well. I did all of the normal research every newbie seems to go through. Researching the web sites, I even got Pygmy's catalog mailed to me and finally ordered the boat. I then read through the building manual once the kit arrived and said to myself WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF IN FOR. I didn't understand half of the terms. But you reread everything twice and take your time. Once I phoned Pygmy for explanations and they were very helpfull. I ended up using more epoxy then their kits provided (I guess because they don't provide enough for hathches and bulkheads and then again I was a newbie), and ordered some more from them. My biggest thrill was when the project was half complete. My wife and I had done some Ocean kayaking before and our next expedition was a guided trip in Johnston Strait on the northern part of Vancouver Island (Canada). This is where the Orca's are frequently seen (Robson's Bight). Of course this year the Orca's elected to take their vacation at that time of year so we didn't see any (did see a Minke and some porpoises though). However while we were paddling with our group amongst the Islands there miles from civilization soundly another wooden kayak approached from behind (we were of course in the fiberglass boats provided by the tour company). When he was alongside us I though the boat looked somewhat familiar. I hollered over and learned that it was an Osprey triple. Very good looking. He had done some nice Haida artwork on the sides. He indicated he was from the San Francisco area. I never did get his name. He was in the boat with his wife and the center cockpit was covered. But as you can imagine it was quite a thrill. Our boat has been in the water four or five times since I finished it this summer. The building addiction has struck me and I am now starting a Spring Run. Good luck with your project. I know you will enjoy it.