Getting other opinions is an important part of many things in life. I have found that this has been especially true in my boat-building endeavors. Early on, I could have used a lot more advice. If you remember, I had problems with things that should have been obvious, like standing up frames and keeping them vertical. As soon as I got some other brain cells involved (my wife and son), we came up with a method that has worked to this day.

Other instances that come to mind was Dane, my 8-year-old, figuring out how to skin the forward end of the hull without cutting any more sheets of ply. That saved me several hundred dollars of wood, ultimately.

We can't always think of everything ourselves. Make sure and listen to others. Even if you don't use their idea, it may very well prompt your own thoughts down some road you haven't traveled.

The other day a close friend of mine who has boated for longer than I've been alive, has repaired outboards and various hulls, done fiberglass, and in general is an accomplished "do-it-yourselfer" and general handyman had the chance to come by the house and see the boat. The last time he saw it, there was just a pile of frames propped against the wall.

Needless to say, it has grown a bit. Roger didn't have issues with things, seemed quite impressed by how strong he expects this hull construction to come out, and in general validated that I was going down the right path.

I can tell you, having another opinion by somebody who has some experience in these areas is a nice feeling.