Hey Ross..

I've always wanted one of my very own Cedar Guinea Pig awards. I have worked for one all my life. I may try to incorporate it as a bow/deck ornament. Actually this will be only the second boat I've ever built using full size plans. The first was a David Hazen canoe back in the early seventies. I still have that book with the plans intact. My usual method for a strip built was to cut a bow and stern form about the shape I liked, then cut a center form. I mount them about where I want them, temporarily install a few strips, and cut forms to fill in where needed...adjusting as I go. Once it looked good, checked true and fair, I stripped it. The stitch and glue were even easier. This "seat of my pants" method worked quite well. I believe I'll continue to use a combination of the design methods. The KayakFoundry, Bearboat, and a few other design programs are very nice to have. I also hope to purchase plans and build a few boats from designs available from other designers. There is literaly a plethora of good designs available. After building two boats this year, and starting this third one, it's hard for me to understand why I got away from boat building for awhile. But...now I'm BACK...with my very own guinea pig award. Hot dog!