I've barely paddled my Pygmy AT17 (first wooden boat) yet, but those bayonet points at the stem and stern have always worried me. Eventually I'll ram a wharf, bridge abutment, poolside, or another boat. I'm concerned about damage to the stem points -- as well as safety for paddlers or swimmers.

I was checking out Rob's new model, see photo at link below, and I saw that the bow & stern tips have what look to be wooden knobs on them. Do you all wear similar protection? I can see advantages. Also curious about correct nomenclature relating to same. If none exists, let's make it up.