> I have cut 75 eight foot cedar boards and 35 12 foot boards my boat is
> 11'-0" long, do you think I need to cut more is is that plenty?

My rough rule of thumb: Think of the kayak as a barrel. Figure the circumference at the widest point on the boat. Be generous. You will need at least enough full-length strips (or the equivalent) to cover the circumference. If you use 3/4 inch wide strips you will need more than if you use 1 inch wide strips. If you use 1/2 inch wide strips you will need even more.

For example: A kayak has a width of 24 inches. I multiply it by 3 ( not quite Pi, but this is not quite a circle) and get a circumference of 72 inches. Thus, I'd plan on having 72 full length, 1 inch wide strips on hand. With 3/4 inch strips I'd need 96 strips (96 times 3/4 equals 72 inches). With 1/2 inch wide strips I'd get 144.

If I knew the exact circumference -- something I could get by measuring around the biggest building frame, I'd go with that.

Since only a few of the strips are used full length, you'll find that this method of estimating gives a number of strips that is on the high side. You can prbably get along with less. If you carefully save the excess when trimming a long piece to fit, you'll find that one long piece can serve as two (or sometimes 3) shorter pieces.

If your strips are 3/4 inches wide, it sounds like you have enough. Pick out the nicest looking ones and set them aside so you'll have them for the deck. It is tempting to start with them, but if you do the hull first you will be putting the nicest looking wood in spots that no one will see.

Best of luck with your project.

Paul Jacobson