1. Skip the Eight Foot Boat (EFB) Unless it's a PPR. This is a huge temptation. Smaller is easier right? Also they are so cute! Don't fall into this trap. I myself fell to it. Twice. The fact is the first boat is a learning boat. The first boat should lead you to better and bigger things. And the only way to do that is have a good first boat. And eight feet is simply too small to get a good handle on sailing to be a good first boat. The space and performance limitations are not worth it. The best advice I've given when it comes to sailing was to talk The Typesetter out of the Harley 8 and into a 12' Bolger Teal. He got a fully usable boat and it even seats two. Now for the caveat. I'm a huge fan of the PDR and think it's an excellent if not THE best first boat. It'll out perform many boats twice it size and it's even a racing class. I'm also for eight foot boats with a name behind it. Michalak comes to mind with his smaller punts.
2. Don't Be Cheap Buy decent materials and tools. If you have no tools, buy midrange and pay the extra for it. In the long run you'll be ahead. When it comes to wood, buy the best you can. Doesn't need to be Okume but you pay more for bottom of the barrel wood. In the long run.
3. Take Your Time Building a boat doesn't have to be a race. Take a days break. Just sit there and look at it. Enjoy the journey.
4. Sail The only way to get better at sailing is to do it. Don't be stupid about it but pushing your upper limit once you're comfortable is a great way to learn. All you'll get is wet.
5. Don't Underestimate the Value of the Hard Being around your boat on dry land is an excellent learning tool. Rig and derig every day for a month. Yard sail. Camp out in your driveway aboard. Someday on the water you'll find the value of these exercises.
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