: I am building a OneOcean Storm LT. The bow and stern stems each have two
: "split" forms that need to be attached to them. The plans are
: drawn for a boat without an internal stem, but I would like to install
: one. I am going to remove 1" from the keel edge of both stems, which
: in turn will be replaced by a 1" thick internal stem. The
: "split" forms that attach to the stem form now extend past the
: stem form edge, and up to the internal stem. (got it???) The question is:
: do I have to remove the top piece of the "split" forms to the
: level of the internal stem or do I leave it alone? Confusing, but
: information on changing a design from no stem to internal stem would be
: helpful. Thanks!

I like inner stems. They take a few hours to steam-bend glue and shape, but once they are done, you will find that they are worth the extra work.

The small split stations do the same job as every other station, which is to keep the strips fair. It is only useful in the area where there is sufficient distance between the stem and itself. As they get closer to each other (and eventually touch), the split form no longer makes a meaningful contribution, because the strip location is given by the stem and the previous strip.

On my Endeavour kayak, I cut off the last 2 inches on this form. I have no complaints with the resulting hull shape.

If you have a copy of Kayakcraft, see page 91, photo 7-21. The staples on the split form stop about 2 inches short of the inner stem.

Happy stem beveling, Pascal