Thanks Peter HK. have sailed in local competitions years ago, had a wooden Hartley 10 that was beautifully made-but did not sail well.plan to sell a Grady-White 19 i have now, and want to make a boat that is small and a joy to be in. i understand that the fillets can stay pliable for some time, and with some care, can be made smooth. we have high humidity and warmer weather here in the Southern US, so it may be an advantage having to wait a little. it sounds like, if i am dilligent, it might be doable by me alone, in a few months. we have rivers, and salt water bays, icw's and the Gulf of Mexico near. thanks for your advice.................alan