Hi guys,

Some of you may remember me from some years ago when I built a S&G canoe. I recently ordered plans from Redfish for a Golden and am gearing up to start. Getting my stations cut out and set up etc.

Have a couple questions on strips. I want to build with full length strips but realize that I probably don't need ALL of the strips to be 18' long. I'm guessing that the middle strips on the bottom can be shorter, is that right? Any ideas on what lengths and how many I can get away with? It's tough to get WRC that long in NC and they have a fair amount of 16' boards - only a few 20'.

Also, and this is the more significant question, I'm trying to rough out a design in my mind and don't know what percentage of the total strips (70-75 per Joe) are hull versus deck. My guess would be 40/60 deck to hull ratio?

I've watched you all build gorgeous strippers over the years and I'm excited to finally join in!

Patsy