I am building the Shooting Star as a first kayak project and doing it stapleless; this has been for me quite an undertaking. I wish I had built at least ONE strip built before I started on this project but I didn't. Steve has been very helpful and you can see he has done a marvelous job ( first time) on a North Star. So if those of you have ever built another strip built, I wouldn't hesitate to take on a bidarka. The absolutely most frustrating part has been the tailpiece; all the steaming/bending of wood caused me to rebuild it 3 times before I felt it was close to right and I am not all that satisfied now.
I do think the Shooting Star is a beautiful boat (and that is the reason I chose it for a first boat) and am looking forward to paddling it. I paddle a Necky Looksha IV now.
I am enjoying this first project now that the tailpiece is done but I do wish I had tackled a less complex project as a first timer. Those of you , like Steve, who are more skilled generally in woodworking, may not find this such a difficult project.
For what its worth.
Alex Warren