: In private you say you tend to agree with me. And here on the BB you won't
: voice that. Why?

I don't think my opinion on the merits of another professional's boats are relevant to the purpose of this bulletin board.

: Instead you post a hair splitter deflecting the larger issues.

What larger issue? I think distinguishing between making some decisions based on aesthetics versus a lot is splitting hairs. Either you let aesthetics influence your decisions or you don't. I know I do, and won't hold it against someone if they let aesthetics influence more of their decisions than I do.

: There's a pretty obvious difference between a boat meant to be used, no
: matter how pretty.

I don't think there is. I think it is just a matter of degree. The choices are the same, it is just how much you let one given goal influence your final product.

: And one who's primary purpose is to be looked at.

: It's all in the paddling. That's what canoes or kayaks are about. There seems
: to be group amnesia here about boats and water and paddles and what
: they're for.

: Say we paint them all gray. You have to choose a canoe on the beach to paddle
: and you are going to use this canoe for the purposes for which canoes are
: designed, including portaging, are you going to pick the heaviest one? I
: don't think so.

Weight alone is not the sole determinent of the quality. If I had a choice between one with 2" high gunwales weighing 5 lbs and one with 14" gunwales weight 100 lbs, I would take the heavier one. Yes, everything else being equal I would choose the lighter one, but typically something else is different. But every time we build a wooden boat we make some choices that detract from the usability of the boat. We gain some performance benefits at the same time, but there are cheaper ways to make stronger lighter boats than choosing wood (as long as you are willing to make a dozen or so boats). I choose strippers because the whole process is more enjoyable for me. It is an aesthetic choice from the start.

: Exotic woods are very heavy. They're durability and appropriateness of use in
: a WORKING canoe is questionable

While questionable, with good craftsmanship I am certain they could be used successfully. Cedar is not the most durable wood, but when combined with fiberglass and epoxy it does pretty well.

: Is there anyone here who doesn't think light-weight is a desirable quality
: for a canoe.

It is one of many criteria.

: I build a boat to paddle, first, with the primary focus on a hull for the
: purpose intended and a boat that's strong, light-weight, and durable. Then
: paint pixies on it for all I care. It doesn't matter what it looks like if
: it is a boat meant to be used.

Do you mean to say that as you build your boats you choose your strip based only on the mechanical properties of the strip and you shut your eyes to the color? If you ever use color as a criteria, then you can not say that you only care about strength, weight and durability. If all you cared about was the weight you would only use northern white cedar, and you would measure the specific density of the boards before using them. I don't think many of us are that laser focused on weight saving that we will pass up a nice piece of warm maroon western red cedar. If we are willing to make that sacrifice to aesthetics why shouldn't we go farther and choose mahogany?

: A boat meant only to be looked at, that's different. The primary focus is on
: looks, forget it's a canoe, it's not meant to be used. Oh sure, a boat
: made for display can be used, just like a trophy cup can be drunk from.

: I build boats to paddle. They must be good boats first. The best combination,
: of hull design, light-weight, and useful, I can make. Looks are
: subservient to canoe utility.

: In boats meant for display any utility is subservient to looks.

: You want to paddle or look?

: The shop is just a place to make a boat. A boat is just a vehicle to get you
: on the water. Anything else is just bullshit.

: So Nick, I'd like to hear what aspects of my arguments you agree with.

I'm not here to pass judgement on your arguements, your design choices, or anyone elses design choices.

Istarted building boats because I wanted a boat. I continue because it is fun. I am perfectly willing to sacrifice a little performance here or there to get a cool look, and I am perfectly willing to sacrifice a little aesthetics to get a better performing boat. I don't see any real conflict between the two. I don't see any reason why one should exclude the other. I rarely put down a strip because I don't like the color, but then I think wood looks nice regardless of the color. I think avoiding staples is generally too fussy to be worth the effort, but agree that staple-free looks better.

I think people take all of this way to seriously. A "boat" built to display over the mantle is a waste of time and energy, but so is paddling across a lake at dawn. They are just different forms of wasting time. I prefer to waste my time with boats I can paddle, but I have nothing against people who choose to waste their time in other ways. I am thankful that I have the freedom to waste my time in my own way. I think an object intended for the mantle that is shaped like a boat is kind of a funny shape to put over your mantle, but why not. People put guns, wreathes, paintings, ceramic bowls, and rugs over their mantle, why not something shaped like a boat. If somebody wants a boat like thing over their mantle then someone darned well ought to build it for them. I can not say what the specifics of a boat-like-thing for the mantle I would build because no one has asked me to do it.