: My question is that I would prefer to use butt joints (a la
: Pygmy) instead of scarfing. I realize that this will make the boat a
: little longer but will it lead to problems in aligning the panels when
: stitching and possibly result in uneven lines & gaps?

Hmm, I built the CLC 17' from plans 5 years ago. You could chamfer the butt blocks with a block plane or just make them smaller than the panels. That will take care of any gaps. I would make all the butt joints first and then layout/cut the hull panels after. I can't remember all the details but it shouldn't affect the length of the boat.

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