I really appreciate the speedy comments - the web is wonderful!

Thanks for the tip re. the width xplorz - clearly someone who has been there!

I received some other comments from another builder re. the length of the table and 12' seems fine for a 13' kayak based on his advice and what I have seen elsewhere. There really seems to be no reason to make it the length of the kayak.

Re. the butt joints (all of the joints on the Pinguino are that type so scarfing is not possible - it would change the length of the parts) I was trying to simply make the outside as smooth as possible and being a "tinkerer" by nature I felt trying a spline would be both an interesting challenge and solution for the smooth exterior. The spline is quite different to a finger joint - I agree finger joints are far too risky and again would change the length so not possible in my case.

The idea of doubling up on the inside worked so that is another alternative (thanks Eric) if the spline idea is not easy enough - I have a router table and a 1/16" slot cutter so it just might work. The warning re. moving them about is well-taken and having the table should help me I think.

Thanks for the dieas and your observations - they are tremendously helpful.