Hey there Chip,

I think you will end up with a bump in the deck if you don't do that cut in the top edge of the gunwales. I am not positive since I haven't done one without.

Morris' book describes the cuts pretty well if I remember right. It is very easy to do with a jigsaw or coping saw. I'll take a shot at describing it if you need.

Watch out with the power tools, I learned about tablesaw safety the hard way on Saturday with a fairly serious cut to my right palm when a piece of wood kicked back and pulled my hand thru the saw. Yuck.

The pinched bow is easy and looks cool, I do think its optional though if you want more volume.

Ben Staley

: 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