: I tend to use an inner stem too. The first cedar boat I built (pictured
: below) had an inner keel running its entire length running into stem and
: stern pieces. It worked out very well, with a keel stringer running the
: full length of the boat and giving a bit of extra stiffness. Keel or no
: keel, be sure to strip alternately from both sides and continuously check
: to ensure symetry. It is quite easy to pull a light stem out of alignment
: and it is embarrassing to go around in circles all the time.

: Etienne Muller

: Ireland

Hi ET,

Yep, I anchored the inner stem to the first bulkhead (temporarily) and made it overly long so the outboard ends could be fastened to the strongback too, keeps the stems perfectly straight while building. Once stripping is finished the hull keeps everything straight. Then I planed the ends to a (I think) 1" width and added a laminated cedar/mahogany outer stem. Pretty and strong.

Bill H.