THERE ARE ALOT OF HOBBY COMPANIES THAT NOW PRODUCE PRE ASSEMBLED BOATS AND WOOD KITS.I HAVE BEEN BUILDING THE WOOD KITS FOR ALONG TIME (20 YEARS). IT TAKES ALOT LONGER TO ASSEMBLE THESE BUT I GAIN VALUEABLE KNOWLEDGE DOING IT MYSELF. MY PROJECTS ARE USUALLY DONE DURING THE FALL AND WINTER WHEN BOATING IS NOT VERY DESIREABLE WHEN ITS FREEZING OUTSIDE.WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED- IT IS GOOD TO SEE THAT YOU CAN BUILD A BOAT THAT COMPARES TO OR EXCEEDS THE MANUFACTURES.THEY ONLY DRAWBACK IS THAT THE COST OF THE MATERIALS CAN BE EXPENSIVE AND COULD RUN AS HIGH AS SOME OF THE ONES ALREADY PUT TOGETHER. BUT WHAT I LIKE IS THAT I CAN PRODUCE THE PAINT SCHEME I WANT OR DECALS THAT I LIKE. NITROFISH