: If it was me, i'd take a 1/2 in flat chisel and 1/2 in (diam)gouge and
: fashion long handles for them - because you've got a long stretch, the
: sides and distance contribute to alignment of use. I'd set it up so that
: when laid flat the chisel edge is slightly raised. then i'd rotate the yak
: as I worked on it so the long chisel is ALWAYS lying flat so that minimal
: possible damage would occur. maybe even wrap the chisel w/ 10 turns of
: masking tape to keep the edge up off the sides. the most dangerous part is
: near the keel as both sides are so close and the keel curves up. real
: careful here, maybe the following method.

: another route would be the same thing but with a wood rasp mainly onl the
: pull stroke. Plan on spending an evening carefully working away. I bet
: you'll come out ok. probably 50percent can stay in for the end pour, so
: you don't have to really clear it out.

: it looks recoverable, and most is on the bottom anyway - where you want it.
: maybe cover it up w/ a pulley so when finished noone will notice.

: good luck

in addition, another interesting aspect of long handled edge tools(aside from really good guiding) is that there's a lot of handle to play with.

so if you decide NOT(like so the sides of the yak guide the tool) to align the blade w/ the handle but just attach it any old way - you could also just throw a small sandbag down close to the end and use that as an acceptable tool rest.

(but do it the first way). but the other really neat thing you can do to get super super control is to restrain the handle too. like on the handle either drill a hole for some non stretchy line (other end to the seat or coaming or something fixed)or glue on knobs for a fixed rest(like you're just resting on it). like anything to restrain the tool action to say 1/4 in or so. then no matter how horribly much you fzck up, the tool still wont go thru the yak. But in actuality it will just make sure you take littl chunks out. better control.

-mick