: Also, could someone provide me with a gerneral list of tools I might need to
: make a basic yak? $$'s are tight and I may not be able to order the wood
: if I also have to put another $150 - $200 in tools. How many clamps am I
: going to need?

David,

I am going to assume that since you have kids and family that this project will be in the ellussive "spare time". Thats good for someone on a budget. You can buy tools as the need arises. To start you need a jig saw or other saw to cut forms. Then to strip, a japannese backsaw or dovetail saw, utitlity knife and then a staple gun. If you will be using staples as you means of fastnening strips then get a good one, I like the powershots by B&D. If not then you need to be more creative keeping the strips down. You can manufacture clamps, see the archives for suggestions. I found that cheep cargo straps are indispensable. A small block plane or alternativly a 5" surefrom tool and a sanding block help with scarfing and fitting stip ends. This will get you through stripping. Now to Fairing: people believe differnt things here,I am a powertool fan so I prefer a good belt/ROS sanding. Other exclusivly hand plane and fairing board it(cheeper-good results also). Waya- your done with tools until you have to sand epoxy-definatly ROS time here.

Your wood choice will dramaticaly influence you boats look. Take the time to pick the strips or boards for colour and charactoristics you like. Wood need not be expensive to look good. Have fun, take your time, the journey is the pleasure. I was actually dissapointed to a certain degree that my boat was finished, guess it's time to start another.
Cheers
Rick