Chris is definately a hot rod kayak fanatic. I think the MillCreek was a design he did for the market, because he sure doesn't express any kind words towards the boat when you speak with him about it. Every time I see him and say I'm building a MillCreek he gets that "oh" look on his face. Not slaming Chris mind you, but I would definately not be at all surprised if he put far more care and detail into his plans for his other boats then the MillCreek.

I also agree with George about the stitching part. I'm not so sure about the order, but I sure did change the lines and shape by the tension. You also change the shape by the number of ties, where the holes are, and especially how the two panels join up. As in fairness, bevel, overlap, etc. In fact, it's probably all the panel join up, controlled by all the other things. I ended up putting mine together and taking it apart something like six times before I got it right.

A recomendation I would make for S&G stitching. Get a pickup truck. I sewed mine together using my wifes truck bed as saw horses. The sides are parallel, they can't get knocked around and out of plumb day to day (unless the truck is wrecked of course). Most important, it places the boat up high, near your eyes. So you can see very quickly if things aren't going true. Saw horses are too low imo. You won't squat down enough to see how things are lining up when working down at hip height. I couldn't measure the time I saved by having the boat up at shoulder height while stitching. I never had to true it, because I was always looking at it at eyeball level. I really *really* recommend this.

> I have been very pleased with my Cape Charles. CLC did instruct
> me to follow the offsets more than the curve drawings, and to fair
> with a batten. The Tred Avon is fairer that the Cape Charles is, but
> then it is my second S&G boat, too. I assumed it was my drawing
> and fairing that is flawed. I find George's comment most interesting.
> I'd try it but the next boat is a stripper....