We (my son and I, unexperienced kayak builders) enjoyed building the Shrike enormously, it took us a week and – since my son’s holiday was over, some extra weekends to finish the job. We added three hatches, of which only one is visible. For the cockpit we used a different plan, although I am not quite sure was this a good decision.
Anyhow, it makes good kayaking, and – if you are in need of attention – I would say: build a Shrike.