: 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 -

First, I'm not familiar with "HWM poly pads" and a quick Google search didn't yield much useful (that I could recognize, at least).

I hear what you're saying about concerns with screws. My problem is that my first pass at things, I'm not quite sure how to keep things held together enough to let the glue/epoxy set. Even my attempts with the cable ties have left a little bit of wiggle room (though, I have finally learned to tighten them with pliers instead of just my fingers-- you'd think that was obvious!). That's why I'm thinking of using screws - they're quick, they're easy and they'll keep the pieces from moving.

Maybe on the next build... because, well- there HAS to be another. ;-) (I've actually cut the cross sections for a Sea Tour - so, I'm almost there.)