I'm slogging my way through a DUMAS 44' USCG Motor Lifeboat right now. This kit is about the same vintage as the Crockett. There is no nice way to put it......it stinks. Parts fit is horrible. Plans are vague. But it is better than a scratch build....possibly. But hey it's a DUMAS...I knew that going in...and with enough Kentucky Windage you get a pretty nice looking model after it all. Perhaps I've been spoiled by my planes I have built. But if it were'nt for the experience from them I would have given up after planking the hull. I would really steer you away from the Crockett. She's a bit big and involved. Pick something from Midwest to start. Get some momentum before tackling the older full planked hulls. With the advent of eBay there's no reason you could'nt build up a lobster boat for practice then sell it if it does'nt turn your crank. Would'nt even have to sink money into powering the thing just build it with the INCLUDED running gear installed.