Laminating on an external stem is pretty easy and looks nice. The mahogany is perfectly fine for the job.

> I have just started stripping my G-17 and am not thrilled with the look of
> the joints at the bow and stern and am seriously considering an exterior
> stem piece. Anyone been there, done that ? Would mahogany be a good
> choice. I have some thin test strips that would be the right length or
> should I go to a hardwood ?