Hi Tom, I had some of the same questions when I started my Reliance last Fall. I understand most wood boat offsets are to the outside of the boat but in the case of KayakCraft they are to the molds. It's up to the designer. Here is an article from Steve Killing on the subject http://bearmountainboats.com/peertalk/PeerTalk/0000047f.htm Be sure to draw only half of the pattern so you will get absolute symmetry. Good luck with it : )

- Chip

: In the offsets in kayakcraft,1) What do you do for stems,2) what do you do
: for the cockpit or how do you figure out where its located,3) and are
: these numbers for the outside diameter of a completed boat or for the
: forms Diameter.I have plans for my first boat a Chinook (16'), but have
: thought about plotting the forms for either the venture 14 for my daughter
: or the reliance tandem for both of us. Thanks to those who answered my
: other questions,I think I've figured out the offsets.Had a problem finding
: large graph paper though, so I bought some 20"x30" drawing paper
: and will draw my own lines. I also bought some graphite
: paper designed to transfer drawings to wood or other mediums. Its
: erasable,besides using it to transfer plans to wood I'll use it to either
: transfer drawings for inlay or transfer my drawings directly to the boat.