: Hi all

: I am new to the strip building of kayaks and have started one myself. (Great
: Auk) In reading Nicks book on building the forms I have noticed with the
: bow some use a removable bow stem and others don't. What is the reason for
: making the bow form with a removable stem? Does it make the bow stronger
: after the stripping is complete?

Slightly stronger, stripping slightly easier. I don't think a hardwood inner stem is all that necessary...I used cedar and it worked fine.

Shawn