: Thanks!
: The transom is really just for looks, though I did flatten out a
: lot of the hull concavity that a Whitehall typically shows. As
: it is, the fabric follows the form of the transom, but isn't
: actually touching the very aft part of some stringers. It's not
: a big gap (about 1cm?), however, and you can't really see what's
: going on unless you are closely examining it. It won't make any
: noticeable difference in handling, esp as the transom will be
: above the waterline.

All transoms are for looks :)

Displacement hulls are all double enders, some just have transoms stuck on top of the stern. In waves though the the water will follow the curve up to the sides of the transom adding buoyancy to the stern, helps to counter the very fine bow that these boats usually have. I have several hundred hours using the old whitehall that I once had as a kid, btw, they sail really well too and power extremely poorly ;) Eventually I'll build another, lapstrake over steam bent ribs like the original :)

Bill H.