Eric,

If you read the caption on page 232 in "Building Strip-Planked Boats" associated with Figures 13-9 and 13-10, it seems to me that the dimensions given as the "Stem Outer Edge" are analogous to the dimensions given in the two columns labeled as "Taper" on Figure 4-11 in "The Strip-Built Sea Kayak". These dimensions are above or inward of the dimensions given in the columns labeled as "Bottom" in both books. It is my interpretation that the difference between the measurements in these two columns (both books) represents the thickness of the inner stem. My interpretation is that this thickness needs to be removed from the bottom of the end forms, if you are attaching solid internal stems instead of tapering your end forms.

I agree that it would be best to get this information straight from Nick Schade, since he is the author of both books, but what I have stated above is my interpretation of what is presented in both books. I know that when I drafted the forms for the Guillemot in TurboCad from the dimensions given in Figure 4-11 in "The Strip-Built Sea Kayak", it all made sense and I could see how visually how each column of dimensions worked together.

I completely understand your interpretation based upon Figures 13-14 and 13-20 in "Building Strip-Planked Boats", but neither these figures, nor their associated captions provide a clear understanding of whether or not the bottom of the forms were trimmed to accommodate the stem attachments.

I look forward to reading about the resolution of this problem over the next few days.

Best Regards,

Greg

: Allan,

: Knowing how this has gone so far... No, I am NOT sure if I have
: missunderstood what Nick said. I think I will ask him to get
: involved in this discussion, because one or more of us has
: misunderstood something here and I don't want any of us to mess
: our boats up. My guess is that the Night Heron was designed with
: two options (either an internal stem or not) and the Petrel was
: considered to use the internal stem by default. If you have
: Nick's latest book (Building Strip-Planked Boats), look on pages
: 233 through 237. It appears to me that the stem was attached to
: the end form without cutting into the end form pattern. The
: Petrel plans do not show a dotted area like you indicate is on
: the Night Heron plans. I hope to have Nick comment on this and
: maybe we can get to the bottom of this.