I have long thought that steel/metal was a great material for boat building. The main reason I'm not building in steel is the different set of tools and skills required. I already have most of what I need for wood construction, but not for metal working.

I also have some knowledge of woodworking, but welding isn't a skill I've ever had the opportunity to learn. I'm sure I could, but do you want to be learning on the hull of your boat? Might be ok, but... read more »

Epoxy is a key component in many building styles... I'm not sure that I want to deal with it for something as major as encapsulation, but its still a great glue and handy for odds and ends regardless of your construction method.  read more »