> I have a rather complicated deck design in mind--some strips running from
> gunwale to gunwale, lots of short strips in between. Sounds like a
> nightmare using conventional stripping methods so I've come up with an
> idea to hybridize by starting with a 1/8" plywood deck and cover it
> with veneers. Anybody tried this or have any objections or suggestions?

You could also run full-length battens like Nick shows in his book for placing the diagonal strips in the chapter "Getting Artistic..."

Veneers don't sound too bad either.

> One immediate question--when using plywood is it possible to install it
> with a convex bend from sheer to sheer and a concave bend from stem to
> cockpit? I assume you would cut out a sliver from the middle? Any ideas,
> suggestions, pointed criticisms and other witty remarks greatly
> appreciated. Thanks, Tom

Yes, it is possible. Look at CLC's old designs for the Severn and Yare. Both of these boats have "Tortured Plywood" hulls meaning that they're convex from stem to stern and convex from sheer to sheer.

Plywood will more easily bend concave/convex than convex/convex. It's not really easy, but it is possible. The CLC Chesapeake has a 1-piece deck that is convex from sheer to sheer and concave from bow to cockpit.

Shawn