First of all; way to go on getting the hull to this stage of construction! For a first attempt at S&G, it looks really nice.

Second; Could you let me know what your interactions were like with Green Valley regarding the Kipawa II?

You can take this last part off-list if you like at the above address.

Have you tried a cabinet scraper on the scorched section along with a light application of a wire brush to clean the recessed grain? If the damage is not too deep this can produce dramatic results. I've found that sand paper can press the burned particles into the grain and it doesn't look as if anything is happening.

Chris Ostlind