Hi Joan, I have both of Ted's books, Canoecraft and Kayakcraft.  I have successfully built the Endeavour 17 and used the Forum during my time building and found it to be very useful as a first time builder.  I finished my Kayak a little over 1 year ago in time to launch and use last summer.  I built it without using any staples and worked completely from the book including laying out the forms from the plots in the book and starting with purchasing rough boards .  A wonderful project.  Picture attached.  If you would like to add this to the Endeavour 17 picture files this is fine with me. With thanks, Tony Mandle