: OK, here are some pictures of some redwood strips alongside the
: maple ply. I still haven't decided for sure if I want to go this
: route or just get more maple ply. There are a few more pictures
: on my web page too.

In order to simplify the strip construction, if you do decide to go that route, consider just glueing a bunch of light & dark colored strips together on your workbench. Then cut out the designed panel pieces that would replace the unusable oak and stitch it together as if it was plywood. You should have no problems, because the Cirrus deck was designed to be flat panels. Just something else to think about. Sure has me thinking of all the options available. To me, even the maple that you have in your picture, is just screaming to be cut into and outline in some of that redwood with pine, spruce or better yet some maple strips. Just about any pin striping is impressive and not too difficult, but the results are outstanding and original.

The best advice is not to listen to a word I'm saying, IT'S YOUR BOAT!!! Build it the way you want to. Have a good one.
SMF