I get it about not cutting the boat in half, get the hell out of here. But dude, if you want half a boat to mount on the wall, you could mock up one of those quick!
"I said no camels, that's five camels, can't you count?"
I think he just didnt want anytype of boat to be hung up on a wall. He wanted the boats he hand crafted to be used in the water.
shareIt consolidates his character as a guy who won't compromise his principles. He's building his life back together and is in search of something that completes him. The boat-building, old fashioned, painstakingly handcrafted, is symbolic of his integrity. He won't cut his boat in half to make some quick money for the same reason he won't sleep with the young girl near the beginning of the movie. The Sarah character completes him; it's no accident that they finally get together on rowing boats.
I think.