> In researching kayak kits for stitch and glue construction, there seems to
> be some strong opinions from the competing companies regarding the better
> method for joining plywood panels. Any feelings regarding scarf joints vs.
> butt joints?

From what I've seen you can't bend a panel to a fair curve with a butt joint, you will always get a flat spot at the butt joint. So a boat that uses butt joints will either have flat spots or the design must be such that the joints occur where the panels can be butted at zero degrees. that would seem to restrict designs to 16 foot lengths and a symetric form. That all said it is not easy to get a good scarf in 1/8 plywood. I cut mine on a table saw with a homemade jig and it is difficult to get the feathered edge with out splintering.