I just got back from my folks' place where my Dad helped me rip strips for my Outer Island kayak. He managed to find some local white cedar in 10'-14' lengths for only $0.80 per board foot. We cut it all on his bandsaw and I didn't even count out the strips after cutting -- I just knew I had plenty for one kayak. Well, now that all this wood is in the living room of my apartment, I measured it out and found I have enough for 2 kayaks! And all for only $50. We also cut a 5' cherry board up into strips for accents. I've also cut 3/4" square blocks of ash and cherry to use as risers for a birch plywood cockpit coaming. It should have a look similar to Nick's method of alternating light/dark coaming strips.

Hopefully I'll soon have some pictures to post so everyone can see the state of my workshop/living-room-no-more.

Dean