That's what I am afraid of. Even if I get the scarf perfect it will be obvious due to the grain of the wood, but if I screw it up I will see it every time I look at the boat, including while I am paddling it. I am considering a few of the ideas posted here including putting a butt joint at the forward deck beam or hiding the joint with veneer.

: Jimmy,

: I did scarf on a piece at the bow, and wish I hadn't. All of my scarfs were
: perfect on the boat, EXCEPT that one! I don't like how it looks. I also
: ended up putting in a plate beside the cockpit because of a flaw in the
: wood there. It's far more inconspicuous there than at the bow.

: Good luck

: Paul