300 hours is generally considered to be par for any strip boat - longer if you get too creative with the design. One of my paddling buddies, who has built five strippers and two skin boats, including a great auk, built a little auk for his grandson last year and said it was the most difficult and frustrating project he's done. You might want to look at a stitch and glue boat like the wood duck as a first-time project. It would take about a third of the time.

I built a Little Auk 11 year, my stripper and it took me 4 months.  I have since started a Petrel.  The Petrel has gone much "faster" and seems much easier to strip. Less bending, longer strip, more exprience don't know why.  I sure like the boat.

Thank you both very much for the input.  I certainly don't want to "get myself in trouble" with this project.  I'll check out the two models you have suggested.

Mike 

Looks like the Wood Duck Hybrid might be the way to go.  Easier construction on the hull with a "strip" deck.  The best of both worlds?