: Cunningham describes stretching the fabric over the boat and stapeling to the
: sheer, one piece for the hull and one for the deck. then sewing them
: together at the shear, removing the staples as you go.

Hi Jeff

I had just finished reading Chris' book as well and I got the impression that he is using a single piece application of the fabric.

Pg.112 The Decks.. He mentions attaching one side ( the short side ) to the gunnal with staples and trimming it to within 1" except in the cockpit area. Then wrap it around the keel to the other sheer, pulling out most of the wrinkles, and stapling it to the other sheer to keep it tight. Then you pull it across the deck and work on the seam on the original side. Only one seam along the "short" side and into the cockpit area.

He mentioned pulling the bulk of the wrinkles into the cockpit area where the cloth will be cut and seamed to the rim and the wrinkles pulled out as best as possible.

Basically the same as Morris, except moving the seam to the sheer. I agree that the sheer seam would be better looking, but it may tend to take more of a beating and wear as that is where the boat will be grabbed and rub up against stuff... ??? Just a thought...

Rehd