Andy:
I am also a beginner woodworker....as are many who visit this site..you are not alone in your excitement about building your own boat....nor your skill level. The folks on this site are fantastically supportive and patient.

You cannot go wrong with either Nick or Joe's designs, support you will receive from them, and their honesty...haven't 'met' either as many on this site have....but I feel like I know them from their postings and offsite email responses over time.

You might want to check with both Nick and Joe and see who has built their boats in your area. Or, if you are up for a ride, travel up to Glastonbury, CT (near Htf) and test out one of Nick's boats. I know that the Spring Run has been built here in CT as well. You can check out Joe's site, where he has a directory of folks from all over the world who have built all types of kayaks....or of course you can post here to see if there are folks who built either of Nick or Joe's boats in your area.

Ideally....you would want to spend time in the boat.

Enjoy....bob