> I've tried twice to add some bias strips at the bow and stern and end up
> taking it back off. The bias strips (they look to be about 2-2 1/2 inches
> wide) don't seem to wet out very well (don't become clear). They are very
> thick and do not conform to the outer stems at all. The plain 6 oz cloth
> conformed much easier.

> I think I do need to add some sort of protection in these areas. Are bias
> strips supposed to be so noticable? In all the pictures of kayaks I've
> seen you guys build I've never seen even the hint that bias strips stand
> out so bad. I'm really worried how bad this will look around the coaming.

> Rather than try to "bend" the bias strips across the stem, would
> be better to use a piece on each side and just have them join over the
> center of the stem?
> Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

> Thanks in advance,
> Woody

Are you using bias strips you've cut yourself (from any excess 6oz cloth), or are you using a purchased biaxial tape? Axial tape is not woven like plain cloth, it's stitched together by a binder. They may be harder to wet-out than regular cloth. Just cut some of your own bias strips from your plain 6oz cloth.