Rather long story but after building quite a few boats, I am finally building one for me. I have always wanted a Baidarka and while I have built one, it wasn't for me. Finally I am going to have one for myself in a few weeks. Should finish up the sewing today and start painting this weekend.

Bow designs is basically the same as my Firefly design. I added a little material to the plywood bow to give the bow some shape. Never liked the look of the flat plywood Bifid bow. Anxious to see this painted.

I struggled with a stern design I could love and not get sick of. Still loving t his one.

Sewing the finishing whip stitch and coaming in today and it will be done.

I tried something new on the end of the bow and stern. I used Heat N Bond tape to hold the fabric in place and I am fairly impressed with it. I am going to cover the ends with a small canoe stem band (half round brass). This will give the ends a smoother look and lots of protection. I wouldn't trust my life to Heat N Bond alone but it served me well while skinning this boat. It's a toss up between it and stapling. Heat N Bond is probably a little more work but easier to remove if you make a mistake.