One of the great things about this project is that I'm learning to
do all kinds of things I never thought I'd do. In addition to learning
how to work with epoxy and fiberglass I've successfully steam-bent a
piece of oak for a stern band on my Cirrus.

I read all the Internet information I could find about making steam
generators and steam boxes, and one of the sites said something about
using an ordinary steam iron. Then it occurred to me that I already
had the perfect steam generator - a Eureka EnviroSteamer floor cleaner!
This is a gadget that you fill with water, wait for it to start steaming,
then use it to clean floors. Not only is it great for cleaning the kitchen
floor it turns out it's great for steaming wood too. I bought some pieces
of red oak at Home Depot, cut them down to about the size I wanted, then
put them under the steamer for 3 minutes. Then I wrapped it around the
stern of the boat with no trouble at all. A little planing and sanding
and I think it's going to look great (and provide some protection from
bumps and scrapes.) If you happen to have one of these things around
your house, try it for steaming wood!

Chris