I'd agree, but I want to build a skin-on-frame of that design, because I want the benefits of the frame flex that wood strip won't give. If someone (hint, hint) were to design a SoF that had the exterior lines of the North Star, that's what I'd be building. I just don't have the time to build a stripper in the next year or so...and I don't want to wait any longer than that.

Thanks, though...
Mark

: The Aleut boats are beautiful and there is a certain something about paddling
: them. However, from a purely practical point of view I would strongly
: suggest you consider Rob's designs. I don't consider the North Star or
: Shooting Star to be an evolution of the original boats. Instead, I believe
: they are beautiful boats in their own right, inspired by the Aleut
: designs. The bonus is that Rob has designed out the shortcomings and built
: in a lot of features that make them ideal boats for serious touring. You
: have the look of an Aleut boat, the beauty of wood strip construction and
: the functionality of a modern boat. Whatever you decide, have fun.