Hello, all! I'm a first-time stripper who is about to receive Nick's book. I've had a blast rewiewing about 2/3 of archieved messages, and have not seen much about building strip kayaks with hardwoods. I'm fortunate to have a mill and a basement and shed filled with various hard stuff, so it seems like a logical building material.

I would like to build a boat with a hull made from black locust and a deck made of Cherry, walnut, white ash, and osage.I checked Hoadley's "Understanding Wood", and it would appear that I can more or less simulate 1/4" Cedar with 3/16" hardwood. The 3/16" hardwood would have approximately the same weight and strength as the 1/4" cedar, and probably better durability. Has anyone had much experience with hardwood? Any problems? Bonding okay with epoxy/glass?

Next question: The boat will be used for daytrips and fishing in the Peconic Bay area of Eastern Long Island, NY. I'm leanining toward a Guillemot SK, partly due to size, partly due to beauty, partly due to loyalty for this fab site. Anyone have any ideas on this, or is there a much better choice? On Guillemot, rudder/skedge or clean?

Finally, any gotchas for a newbie? I've been building furniture for awhile, but have no boatbuilding or fiberglass experience. I'm planning on 3/16" B&C strips. Thanks in advance for any ideas or advice.

Mike Loriz