So, in an effort to be paddling this season while putting a new strip deck on my S&G, I decided to build a Nikumi. So far, things have gone reasonably well. I got all my forms/stations cut from some 1/2" ply I had left over from some other projects and got all my chines cut though my dimensioned lumber was slightly under 3/4" at 5/8" (which is okay by me). The only mods I decided to make are reducing the gunwale, keel, and deck ridge sizes to 1" by 3/4" and the aforementioned chine size as well.

I do have a question about assembly. Tom uses a lot of glue and screw type construction and I'm wondering if anyone has used the traditional tie method for securing the chines to the stations. I don't have any interest in having hardware in my boat. I will grab some 1/4" dowels for tenons if necessary, but I suspect it's not.

I may still make a couple of minor mods to the bow and stern pieces, but generally speaking, I'm really liking how the whole thing is coming together.

Pics hopefully after the launch this weekend. DC Cherry Blossom paddle.

FrankP