> Mike, thanks for the quick response. I am using ash for the keelson and
> cockpit, and cedar for the rest of the strips. In light of the greater
> bend to the gunwales, do you also suggest I lead the end ot the chines(at
> the bow) to a higher point (looking at the upright boat) on the stem in
> order to shorten somewhat the gap with the gunwales? The pictures in
> Putz's book contemplate a pretty straight run for the chine at the stem.
> Thanks as well for your suggestion regarding the floors. Gary

Gary,

If I remember correctly, in Putz's book he says to let the stringers and chines fall where they fit most naturally on the stems, but match both sides. I found this made it easy to place them, and gave a nice upward curve to the chines. I would think that if you tried to raise them more than they wanted to go you may lose some volume in the bow. Letting them "fall naturally" gave them more curve than the chines on my Arctic Tern. If they do seem to be too low though, go ahead and raise them a little. Just eyeball it, but make sure both sides are the same. I'm sure you'll end up with a great kayak. I found what looks right usually works right.

Mike