Duuane, I have built both the 14 and 17 foot Auk. Laying the strips along with the planing and sanding was by far the most enjoyable portion of the build. The most time consuming portion of the build for me was from the original layer of glass thru the final coat and sanding out of the epoxy. After that it took a week to varnish and out fitting a single evening. You can not fill and sand enough during the glass and epoxy stage, any blemish will show once you add your first coat. This is of course fixable. But you have to ask your self at this stage ... Work of art or kayak you will be dragging accross the beach in a week or two. My total build time was slightly under 200 hours for the 17 Hope that helped.

 Hagen

It did help, thank you. I know everybody's pace is somewhat different, but I figured the most time consuming area for one person, may just be the most time consuming area for others. I will keep working at MY pace, and when I'm done...I'm done. So far I have found that I'm too fussy to be satisfied, but not sure I'm good enough to be too fussy.  Thanks again!!

"Work of art or kayak you will be dragging accross the beach in a week or two."

Hagen brings up an excellent point, but even though I knew it was going to get scratched, I felt like I had to do the best job I possibly could. Was it pride of workmanship, or just being anal or stupid? I'm not sure, but I'm glad I did it! I also didn't keep track of my time. Some things you're better off not knowing!

You're right, I will continue to do the best I can, and one nice part is the self taught class on how to do it better as I go along. I will keep track of time on this one, but don't think I will on my next one.....Not even half done with this one, and already know that I want to do another one.