Not sure if anyone said it, but you can upgrade gear too. Level 1 vs level 3 weapons and armor is a big difference.
the forest is arguably the toughest zone -- it introduces you to the game more than the meadows, which is a joke. The rest of the game, it will be about grinding up a set of gear and food to survive the next area, and long lasting rested buff as well.

what did you miss?
sounds like you did not make a cooking pot, its from tin ore. you can make jam and other good foods with it.
nails open up a number of items too, not just that boat.