: I'm trying to get myself mentally prepared for the task at hand, I have books
: on order, rounding up tools and material sources....

: This is going to be a long project. Isn't it?

: Are we talking 2-300 hours using a book and plans? Getting my mind around it
: and happy I have two glass kayaks to tide me over.

I am just at the stage of bonding the 2 halves together on my 1st kayak. I ordered my plans in the beginning of April, cut, bead & coved my own strips, stripped & re-glassed the deck after making some nasty glassing mistakes, made mountains of sanding dust & consider that I have been a bit slow.
I have religiously logged my hours & costs; so far I am up to 295 hrs (not including much standing, staring & thinking at various stages along the way) & would expect perhaps another 10-20 hrs to complete my Storm LT.
I think about a third the way through I became a bit overwhelmed by the work ahead but just keep plodding on & you'll get there & be very pleased with yourself & your handiwork.
If or when I make another one, I reckon I could fairly easily shave off 50hrs or more now that I know what I'm doing & not flying blind even though I had a manual.
If you get into trouble or become confused, this forum is very helpful.
Glen G