As I am stripping the hull, I have noticed the areas where the strip meet at the stems is less than perfect. What do some of you do to make them look better. I have read Nick's book and tried to get the cut close, but... you know.

Have any of you used stem and stern pieces? How easy is it? what wood did you use? I figure if I plane the ends flat so there is a uniform 3/8" surface I can install a nice piece of wood to accentuate the stems. Any thoughts? Or is a good dose of dookie-shmutz to fill in the imperfections o.k.?