> Just started the Walrus 18.5'. Decided to go with the high bow and stern.
> Putz leaves the design of the stems to the builder but says little else.
> Anybody have any recommendations--straight or curved; long or short? My
> wife suggested a strip deck--I had been thinking about a plywood deck. Any
> suggestions or comments pro or con would be welcome. Thanks, Tom.

Tom,

I went with fairly straight stems and I like the look of them. I like a long straight high bow, higher than the one on mine. I just guessed at how sharp of an angle to use and I am pleased with the results.

A wood deck will make it lose some of the flexibility. It might also add some weight. But it might add a nice touch. I like the flex in my canvas Walrus 17, and the light weight (33 lbs.). I'm currently building a plywood Walrus 17 though. My plywood one probably won't perform as well but it should be more durable.

What wood are you using for the frame, I used mostly red cedar with a few pieces of mahogany for strength around the cockpit.

Mike