Hi Paul,

I love the detail you always put in your posts.

I have lots of those thin strips that you describe - I knew that I was keeping them for something. Actually, I have been experimenting with deck beams made by laminating 3/32" spruce strips together. Great results! Much lighter than laminated Okoume or luaun and very strong. The 17' S&G's are running around 40 pounds finished weight.

:If you had excess funds in your budget... I would start another Kayak! ;-) - though about that veneer, very expensive locally.

Hey Paul, I bet you were thinking about the way we attached the temporally base to the wooden block for turning a bowl on the wood lathe - wood/glue/paper/glue/wood. It was always impressive how well that would hold and still be easy to separate when the bowl was done.

I did some experimenting with the strapping tape that David suggested - very interesting. I am going to take an closer look at the strapping when I get some time.

For the hi stress areas in the bow and stern I may just go with wood or cardboard strips. I thought wire would be easier to snip rather than having to break a glue bond. Glue can be stubborn when it wants to.

Got the clamps made - the forms are done, the strongback ready and the strips are all cut. Just waiting for the temperatures in the garage to get above freezing to start my Guillemot!

Thanks for your suggestions.

Hank