I'm building from Cunningham's book. I have my rib mortices layed out and I'm looking at the next steps... He says to shave down the top edge of the gunwales to accentuate the sheer. I really don't understand his description; I'm inclined to skip this step. Bad idea? Do other builders shave down the gunwales or leave them a consistent width?

Also, I have been thinking about the pinched bow. I can see how a pinched bow looks better but I figure it is better not to pinch because greater width at the sheer would help raise the ends up out of the water in a leaned turn. Yes, no, maybe?

Thanks,
www.ChipSandresky.com