Don't worry about the strength. Once encapsulated in fiberglass and epoxy, the finger joint will be plenty strong enough.

If you think you have an idea for incorporating the fingerjoint into a pattern, you like - go for it. I would say, that chances are the joint won't be very noticable.

> De gustibus non est disputantum accounting for taste".

> Last time someone suggested using fingerjointed pieces I suggested lining
> them up so all the joints were in line, giving the look of a big zipper.
> Then you could paint on a zipper pull in a prominent location.

> I repeat the suggestion.

> At the time, there were a few others who suggested that the fingerjointed
> boards are not very strong, and are not the most desirable of materials to
> use for making strips. If there is not a great difference in price, I'd
> suggest you get solid stock. If you are using pine and redwood, you won't
> be buying very many redwood boards.

> Paul Jacobson