Welcome to the forum! I imagine you will have some lovely hardwoods in Malaysia.
If you buy from a member on this site you are more likely to receive it well packaged, though I would worry about sending a completed model that far as accidents do happen.
Part built projects can either be a dream to complete or a nightmare, so do be careful if you go down that route. Look at as many pictures as possible to ascertain wether it has problems that need just remedial work, or a complete rebuild.
If you want to build from scratch, maybe starting with a simpler model would be wise to allow you to get to grips with material handling and finding out all about the glues and surface preparations etc. Meanwhile you can research your real project to within an inch of it's life and be really well prepared when you start building it. Also, you will have a simpler model to sail while you are building your Lifeboat.
Out of interest, where is your nearest potential sailing pond/lake? As Ken said, there is a wealth of information on all types of vessel and lots on Lifeboats built by skilled chaps.
Remember, the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask, but many can be found here and lots of piccies!