Just a thought, Yost's boats are usually made out of PVC which has very low stretch. Nylon, and for that matter seal skin, will stretch more and really change the stern profile shape, even with the same frame underneath.

: I don't think anybody really knows why the original baidarka's have
: their stern shape. Let's just say it is traditional. Plenty of
: people probably have their guesses.

: Best place to check for references to that shape would probably be
: George Dyson's book, "Baidarka" The author has a store
: in Bellingham, Washington: Dyson,Baidarka and Co. You can google
: the address and phone number. I don't think he does anything
: with a website or e-mail, though. He is a good supplier of
: materials for making SOF boats.

: As for the Nikumi, just get the answer for that straight from the
: designer, Tom Yost. Check for his contact information at his
: website yostwerks.com.

: Let us know what they say.

: Hope this helps.

: PGJ