It all started when camping on Big Manistique lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I wanted to take my boys out on the lake a bit to do some fishing. We talked about it getting a boat and decided there was no way it was in the budged. We decided that we did not want to any type of watercraft which require a trailer (and hence licensing). We discussed getting a canoe since we have had fun with rentals in some of our wonderful Michigan rivers. As we discussed the canoe option the subject of portability arose. As our boys are too young to offer any assistance and my wife may not be available to help, I insisted that if we get a canoe that we get one which I could load on our minivan alone. Anyone who has tried to load a canoe on a mini-van without assistance will know what I mean. The lighter the better yet it needs to be large enough for three occupants. Thus the want of a boat made with Kevlar or Carbon Fiber. The sticking point then became cost. With the Kevlar canoes starting at about $1400 (US) and up it just was not happening. I saw the the book Building Your Kevlar Canoe: A Foolproof Method and Three Foolproof Designs by James Moran.