I run the stems back and feather them in onto the keel strips. I use the same type of wood for the stems, keel strips, and sheer strips. I like the way they all come together at the ends of the yak. Here's a pic of one of the stem laminations epoxied and taped in place. The next pic shows it after glassing.

And I agree with Bill, it needs to be well glassed to prevent damage. One day on the river the current caught me as I was attempting to beech between some cypress trees and I jammed the nose of my boat into the tree. Fortunately, the only damage was a little skinned place on the tree.

Happy Building.

Charles.