: I am part way through building a New Zealand designed strip kayak.

: After laying my center strips tonight and standing back to admire the lines
: (as you do !), I was horrified to see a bump in the rear deck ! from the
: shear to about 2/3 up towards the center. I have layed 5 strips up from
: the shear line.
: My first thought was; how could I let this happen.
: 2nd thought was; if this side is out of alignment (meaning this form was not
: aligned on the strong back square) that would mean the other side had a
: dip.
: A quick glance at the other side and the hull showed perfect lines.
: This must mean this form (no 13) is not true and fare, only on 1 side.
: We are talking of about 4-5mm

: Without having to start the deck over, is there anything I can do to correct
: this problem? I have considered removing the form, however this may cause
: further heartbreak !! If I did this, could the strips already layed be
: encouraged to conform to shape ?

: I love the lines of this design and it would be a shame if it could not be
: corrected.

: Any suggestions appreciated.

start taking some measurements to see what and where the problem is. have any of the forms moved. has the boat curved or twisted.
if the above seems ok, take some measurements to the c/l of that form and the 2 adjacent. are they symmetrical?

the medium fear you should have is if the already built hull is not symmetrical, and you've just noticed problems now. if it is not and the deck is just part of this asymmetry, 1/4" is not going to matter at all in the general scheme of events and continue.

if doesn't look like the forms:
look at the strip grain characteristics - are the ctr ones stiffer or bendier that the sheerstips on one side more than the other and is this why they are not meeting? are you only stripping one ctr side first.coming from 2 diff directions sometimes takes care.

like the first major step is to be absolutely sure what the problem is.

there is a chance that you'll have to side deck restrip, there is a chance you can redeflect. i would count on restripping 3 of the 5 sheer strips. see if you can wet them out if waterbased glue used and reuse. (i have done a certain amt of that)

but figure out definitively what the problem is. you've come this far it'll be no big deal to change. you'll feel better down the line if you make the adjustment.