Every reference in strip canoe & kayak building that I've run across use either a simple butt joint or a "diagonal" scarf joint. This caught me by surprise.

In all the other hobbies I've pursued over the years these types of joints would NOT be recommended, but the a long "lap" scarf joint would have been the preferred method of joining 2 wood sections in this type of application. It's very obvious from a strength stand point that the "lap" scarf is superior, because of the very large surface area in the mating surfaces as opposed to the end-grain-only joints that result from a butt or "diagonal" scarf.

Any explanations?

I realize that its a smidgen more time consuming, but if you build a jig, it would almost be the same time spent making a "diagonal" scarf. Also, I realize that the fiberglass sandwich will provide the greatest increase in strength, but since all this effort is being expended to make a work of art (hopefully), then why not improve on the excepted method by using a "lap" scarf?

Thanks

Bob H (The Serious Lurker)