Forums
what length strips do I need to mill for the petrel play? If I do not have the ability to get long lumber to my home, can I scarf each strip? Any help would be appreciated!
thanks,
Dennis
A community of folks interested in making and using kayaks and related small boats
Strip length
Lots of boats have been built with 8' strips - scarfed or just butted together 'as you go'. I like to use full length strips for the 'starters' along the seam (sheer) line, so long boards for milling or scarfing gets those done.
As you work up to the mid-line with stripping, the lengths reduce, usually, so 8-footers won't be a problem at all.
If you are building a 'work of art' boat, the colour matching will be more difficult with shorter strips.
It's not the transport that should be a problem - you are going to be transporting the kayak, so getting end tie-down points, a good rack, flag for the back, etc. might as well be done right at the start.
Setting up good safe infeed and outfeed tables for the table saw is necessary even for 8-footers . Many builders cut strips in the driveway or in the back yard - swinging long boards in the garage can be awkward.
Strip Length
I generally use 8'-12' foot boards and scarf. I have used 20 foot lengths in the past but they are awkward to work with. Some people don't like the look of a scarf joint it is all a personal preference. I kind of like scarf joints but I don't like staple holes , to each his own.