As per Vaclav's manual I have added oak strips to the bow and stern stems. These are 3/8" wide by 3/8' high and 3' long at each end. They look good but I am wondering how much they might affect the handling of the boat?

My interest in building my own boat was instigated by wanting to find a boat that was more manoueverable than my glass boat. I am concerned that these strips may make the boat track too strongly, and they may act as permanent skegs.

I am considering planing these down a bit.

Any comments?

grant