Thanks for all the suggestions on using purpleheart on my kayak. They were a big help. I successfully placed the first strip yesterday; but not without some effort. I wound up using 1/4" x 3/8" x 7' strips, and s-l-o-w-l-y bent them in place by using a portable clothes steamer to soften the wood. Not only did I get it to bend, by using the steam I also got it to twist from one side of the deck to the other over a seven foot length. It took a LONG time, but I've got to tell you, it will definately be worth the extra effort, this stuff looks spectacular, even in the rough!

Once again, thanks, all your suggestions REALLY helped turn what could have been a frustrating disaster into a wonderful success! I'll post pics when the boat is finished, hopefully late September- early October.