> So far, I've got a bunch of 1 or 1 1/2 feet strips that could be
> considered waste, maybe a whole 18 feet strip if I put them one after the
> other (my point is that I am not throwing away lots of waste).

It is not good to end up with very many short strips. it is better to assemble the boat so that the portion of the strip that overhangs the ends can be used elsewhere, and not end up as waste. So, you are looking to get an overhang of 3 feet or more.

If you start a row with a short strip section, say 4 feet or so, then the overhanging end will be rather long -- maybe 5 or 6 feet or more, instead of 1 or 2 feet. Use that excess to start a new row. This tends to stagger the seams, too.

If all you have are long strips, start two of them in the center of the boat, or on the first station aft of center, and you will get two overhanging pieces that may give you better use of your wood.

Hope this helps.

Paul G. Jacobson