Jim,
Thanks for the imput, I've reread everything paying special attention to what Vaclav has to say about the shape of the bow/stern stems. I've made a cardboard template that will give me the exact profile shape. The mahagany piece I have to use for the stems is 2 1/2 thick so I've got plenty of wood to carve into and still not end up with a knife edge. I've cut in as described above and chiseled out the wood needed so that I can continue the accent strips of white pine straight out. Today I'll add the mahagony stems and carve/plane those to shape. It's pretty cool seeing the kayak form coming out of the pile of planks I had a month ago.

Thanks also for including your website. Your boat looks beautiful. We are both in the same situation regarding basements. I may have the advantage in that I have a walkout, but it's still a bit nerve wracking wondering if my measurements were accurate and the boat will actually come out. I don't want an 18' basement coffee table.