> I was not trying to offend you or say your question was not a valid one.

No offense taken and just so you know. I own a 57#/18' fiberglass kayak and realize that loaded for a trip with me in it the boat weighs up to 350# so 10 pounds one way or another is irrelevant.

I have seen strip built boats on the internet and on the water built in the "normal" way and would not hesitate to paddle or own one of these boats because of a fear of their construction method. They are strong enough for me.

The challenge is intriguing to me however and if I could build a lighter, stronger boat for similar cost and effort, I have to admit that I would do it. (I love a good challenge)

As for eliminating the wood altogether, that would take away my one and only reason to build one. The fact is for me, almost any wooden boat is prettier than its fiberglass conunterpart. I have yet to see people walk by an "amateurs" wooden boat and not comment on its beauty or want to feel it. Myself included.

I think that I now have something to do with any left over wood strips. I'll try some of these ideas and see what happens. Guess I better invest in that laboratory after all.

Happy paddling, Ian