I am setting up the forms to build my second boat (the Return designed by Redfish Kayak) and the plans call for an internal and external stem piece in the bow and stern. (Nick describes these on pages 69 and 100 of his book). I did not use either an internal or external stem piece in my first boat (Laughing Loon's Georgian Bay) and have been happy with it's durability and appearance.

Building the stem pieces seems like an added step that will not add very much strength (assuming I use a fillet on the inside and bias cut cloth to reinforce the outside).

Any thoughts???