> Hi! Wow. It all sounds so well thought out! I would like to know how to
> deal with the ends.In the Putz book there are stem timbers used to form
> the bow and stern, but if going the plywood route, how do you form the
> ends? Sorry if this seems to be an obtuse question... I was wondering how
> this might be done if using a 2x4 as a beam to hold the forms, given that
> the bow and stern are different heights above the floor (as described by
> Putz). Are the stem timbers needed? It looks like they would add some
> (unnecessary ??) weight to the plywood boat. Thanks for any answers. Kelly

Kelly,

I was going to use a bow frame and a stern frame originally, but since I will be using the framing, I'll use the stem timbers. Most plywood kayaks have stem fillets and end pours. The timbers can take the place of the the fillets and some of the end pours. With plywood instead of canvas, I think I can use thinner stem timbers. I shortened my forms and used a 'T' beam and notched 2x4's to hold the timbers.

Mike