> Hi Pete, I am just finishing my Great Auk. I used 1/4 inch strips but I
> found that one does so much sanding that the quality of the surface of the
> strip is not that important. I also found that the fit between strips was
> very important. I didn't use staples but used a clamping arangement. Some
> of the strips that were under stress did not fit together real well and
> when I sanded I opened up a void area between the strips. This had to be
> filled and left some strange looking places - although now that the
> glassing is done I would probably have to look hard to find them. My view
> would be to take the 1/4 inch and the surface the bandsaw gives and go for
> it. Earl

The thickness is personal taste. Some weight freak will make it as thin as possible. If you don't mind carrying a little more, make it thicker. The strength of the boat comes from frg not wood. If you mess up, throw in a little more fibreglass mat, patch it paint it. Noone knows it other than you. When you gain your courage back, you can give it away and build another one. In the mean time enjoy what you have and have some fun.

To cut rip wood , Use as widw a blade as you can fit on your band saw. This way you can cut straighter. And most important to any kind of cutting tool, use a sharp blade. That wat you don't have to force the wood through -- less chance for wobbling cut.