: I'm playing around with the idea to build another kayak. However, I don't
: really need another.

I agree with Bill Hamm....it's not so much a matter of "need" as it is a matter of "need".

: so if I do build it I'm going to try to keep the costs
: as little as possible. Also I won't have a lot of time to get it done. I
: have some epoxy left over from my last kayak, slow cure US Composites.

That's one way of saving time and money on materials...using leftovers from previous projects, and shop set ups for milling and such. Also you have more confidence from previous projects, so you know you can do it, and you won't have to "contemplate" too much!

: Would it be ok to do the first coat of epoxy to wet out the fiberglass
: with the slow cure and then do the fill coats with the same brand but
: faster curing?

Mr. Babina gave some good advice here! Blush washes off easy enough.

: Also has anyone used Beckson hatches and how did you like
: them? I found some on a good sale and it would be a cheap and quick
: alternative to either making wooden hatches or using Kajak sport hatches.

I saw the picture of the white hatches on the strip deck of the white painted hulled boat, which was very pretty. The white hatches matched the hull, and the strip pattern "popped" because of the contrast between the hull and the hatches. Yet, personal preferences are all that matter, and my own is that if I have a strip boat, I wouldn't want to "ruin" my beautiful strip pattern by installing any kind of hatches that didn't match.

: Any other suggestions on how to try to keep the costs and time to a
: minimum would really be appreciated.

Time is money sometimes, but building for me is more therapy than simply rushing to get a boat into the water...sometimes it's like a good book, I don't want it to end...maybe that's why I can't wait until I can begin the next one...yet all of our boats were based on "assembling the family fleet," and because I wanted to try different building methods (Strip, Stich and Glue, Skin on Frame), and different kinds of boats (Canoe, kayaks).

Getting the materials as a kit would save you time, but maybe not money.

You already have the design from Kayak Foundry, did you design it yourself? If so, then you may have planned some time and money savings into that design...

Knowing what you want and planning ahead for anticipated design difficulties will save you some time, especially in conjunction with your personal experience in building, and knowing yourself (what works best for you in a building situation and more important, what doesn't).

Since you already have a finished boat that you've built yourself, you probably have invested in some of the tools, so that will also be a savings in money.

Have fun! Enjoy the work!
Cruz, W.F.