Paul,

In the two Guillemots that I have built, I used two half-inch strips when starting the bottom and then made a 3/4-inch cheater strip about two-three feet long in the bow. This was followed by another half-inch strip or two and another cheater strip. These were all very dark red cedar. I then ran a couple of dark red cedar 3/4-inch strips and did the rest with 3/4-inch white cedar except for about four half-inch strips right at the bildge. Making that sharp turn with 3/4-inch strips is too difficult.

When doing the deck, I started with three half-inch strips and from then own, my pattern called for running the strips parallel to the center line so bending the strips was no longer a question.

I certainly do not think that you compromise strength by using half-inch strips. It seems to me that bending strips and glueing them together creates great strength. It may be stronger to use half-inch strips.

Mac