Hi Paul, Charley here...

The boat was made by myself and Jeff for my wife Debbie...

The thwart is made of a material that my father introduced me to a couple of decades ago. It is an extremely high grade of birch plywood made in Finland under the trade name of "Baltic Birch". It is virtually void free and exceptionally strong. I very much enjoy its working characteristics and the effect it creates when sculpted.

This boat was fun to build and paddles very well. I would build this design again (Jeff already plans to build one for his wife).

Thanks for the encouraging comments...It means a lot to me.

Charley