> 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?

Don't mess with reinforcing areas before you get the glass on the rest of the boat. If you cut the fabric slightly off center at the ends, you'll get one side to end at the bow ( or stern) and the other side can wrap over , like the flap on an envelope. Working wht jsut the single flap is pretty easy. You can cut slits in it at 1-2 inch intervals so that it follow the curves better, too, if you need to. You may get some edges sticking up a bit, but they sand down pretty easily.

If you are thinking of adding layers of glass for scratch or dent resistance, you might want to wait until you have paddled the thng a bit. id there are areas that actually get scratched, then find them (Hint: look for the scratces) and THEN reinforce those areas. This saves you from adding weight in areas that DON'T get scratches. The bow may get scratched whe landing on rocks or sharp sand, but that happens usually under the waterline, so why add anything above the water line?

After a year youwill be doing some repairs, and after two years you'll be doing touchup on the varnish. Add your "rub and wear" strips at that time.

just my thoughts here Paul Jacobson