Kudzu, that cost breakdown is very helpful. I did some calling around and found a source for 1/2" Baltic Birch with waterproof glue, 4x8 sheet, for $52. I read somewhere yesterday (can't remember where, now, maybe yostwerks) that we can probably get 2.5 sets of cross-sections from one 4x8 sheet. That would put that cost around $20/boat.
Do we need to build a new strongback for each boat, or can we use the same one for all the boats?
Finally, would you recommend that we build one boat at a time, to completion, or try to do several at the same time, keeping them on the same track (so we are all doing the same things on each boat). One of the challenges will be to make sure there is something for each young man to do in the process, while maintaining adequate adult supervision and quality control...
Thanks for the input!