RE: Boat builder
Dragon,
If you have any experience working with wood, and take reasonable care with it, I think you could probably build an average boat without much trouble. I would stay away from those that are classified as 'expert' level, also some of the 'Euro' boats which have a different method of grading the builder's level.
One word of caution. 'Dumas' is fairly well known for not using the 'best' grades of wood in their models, so sometimes a little 'extra' is required when finishing one. All manufacturers have an occasional batch of 'bad' wood, but 'Dumas' seems to have more than the usual. That doesn't mean that their products are not of good quality, just that a bit 'more' is required with their stuff.
Select a boat. READ the instructions completely, pay attention to the drawings/photographs, and KNOW what you are going to do before doing it. You ought to have a lot of fun with it.
- LtDoc