One thing to consider is where the scarf joints will lie on the kayak. If you scarf 2' boards onto 17' boards, you'll end up with all your scarf joints about 1' from either end of the kayak with none in between. I managed to get white cedar 1x8's in 11' to 14' lengths and ripped them all as is. I then scarfed them as I stripped, trying not to get too many scarfs in any one area. I took the advice of someone on this BBS and didn't even scarf the strips before fitting them. Instead I installed a partial-length strip with a 45-deg. bevel ending on a random form, then installed a strip the other direction with a matching bevel, stapling thru the scarf and into the form. It worked for me.

Dean

: I'm a complete novice at building kayaks and my plans are on the way for a
: Guillemot L. I bought Western Cedar and some cyprus to make it out of
: (11/16" x 3 1/2" planks). However, the longest planks I could
: find were 17 foot. In that the boat I'm building is 18 foot, I'm going to
: have to do something and I don't have a board stretcher. I assume I have
: to make a scarf joint. Now for some help from those that have already done
: that. Should I make a lap scarf joint or a tapered one? Also, how about
: scarf joining the 1" x 4" planks before I rip them into strips?
: Is that a good or bad idea?

: Thanks guys,

: John