I have been building a canoe at Chicagoland Canoe Builders for the last few weeks and have had a great experience. Their facility and tools are all that you will need to make a great boat. The process is involved but it’s not at a level that requires expert cabinet-making skills. Support from the staff is first rate and if there is any part of the process that you can’t do, they will. The learning environment is informal and relaxed. I found it amazing that my project came together so quickly and the final product looks so professional. I will say that the month they quote to make a boat would require you to be available to work flat out on it. And, naturally, if you start customizing your design it adds more time to the build. Prices are very reasonable, especially considering the product you end up with, and the attention you receive.