> I have seen pictures of a number of kayaks with all sorts of beautiful
> designs and patterns. I understand that you can create beautiful patterns
> in strip built boats by alternating strips of different woods. I'm
> wondering how the patterns on other types of boats such as the Redfish
> line are made. These patterns don't appear to be possible by alternating
> different types of wood strips.

Some are indeed made of woodstrips, while others are cut from a thin wood veneer and glued to the top of the sanded boat.

Wood veneers are available in very thin thicknesses. With a bit of care you can cut them with a carpenters utility knife, or an x-acto knife and get a great deal of detail.

The price per square foot for good veneers can be very high, but a small amount of a very colorful wood veneer can go a long way. Plan what you want to do by cutting up cheap construction paper. Or, print out a design on your computer printer (lots of 'em are available with drawing programs and `print shop` programs) and cut it out. Save the pieces and use them as patterns for cutting the veneer. (a light coat of rubber cement on the back of the pattern will stick it to your veneer and allow you to peel it off easily) A mosaic design can be made from two or more colors. Build in a checkers or backgammon board for those long nights at the campsite, or put on a family coat of arms.

After the design is glued on you can gently sand the edges of it to reduce any slight bumps when the glass cloth goes on. It doesn't have to be perfect. later sanding and those coats of resin that fill the weave will smooth things out.

Some home and building supply stores have veneers for cabinets, and you can get others from lumberyards that handle hardwoods.

Paul G. Jacobson