Thanks for the info on your web site. I had planned on using wooden strips for my seat, but noticed the camping sleeping pads on your site. How has this worked for you? I'm thinking about using a bomber gear backband.

Also, after reviewing the shape of my kayak, I've concluded that I need to add an inch to my rear stem. I'm going to leave the front as is. Also with the curve of the ribs, I'm going to add 3/4 inch to the chine stringers at their centers and add in spacers to make them fit to the ribs. This will give me a much flater bottom than the deep V it currently has. I clamped this up today, and it looks good. I didn't have the time to do all the wood work today -- I had to go out and look at digital cameras for a Christmas gift.

The water around here is starting to get skim ice on it, so I doubt I'll be able to test this kayak this year. It has been fun building it.

Thank you,
Bryan

: You're assuming that this is a problem. Depending on what you want the boat
: to do, it may well be a fortuitous occurance. What you'll end up with is a
: boat that's quite maneverable. If that suits you, leave it as-is.

: If you want more control over how your ribs are shaped, consider building
: forms (as in Mark Starr's book) or a rib jig. You can see my jig at:
: http://community.webshots.com/user/brian_nystrom

: Either system provides complete control over the rib shapes in your boat.