: I use electrical wire ties except at the stems, then use HMW poly pads on the
: screw heads to minimize the chance of splitting the wood that close to the
: ends. Personally don't like the holes in the stringers since they are
: fairly small section already.

: Bill H.

Sure this is a stress buster, I myself is going through a lot of stress and started researching about building a Kayak and have been doing so with Bamboo and hemp strings.

About your pilot drilling and screws and pegs, I personally think, before pegging to hold the glue, using a clamp would be best, or straighten a plumbling clamp, bend it like you want and press with a plier would keep it strong. Then when you are pegging, drill a pilot hole glue it peg it! that will reduce the beating on the wood just for gluing.