: Actually my first kayak, though it was plywood, had one form in the
: middle. It's a bit more of a challenge to get the shape that way
: :)

: Bill H.

Yeah, the single form approach generates that nice 'diamond" shape too . . .

My trick to get a fair hull is to use chine logs: glue them to the sheer planks while flat, same with the inwales, then the plank is stiff enough to form a fair curve around the form(s). For my usual 5-plankers I do the same for the bottom: those logs are handy for mounting seats and foot rests. With the bottom and sheers in place I cut the bevels for the bilge planks with a hand-held power plane. Way faster than S&G, no need to tape the seams either but no easy way to glass the inside due to the step. Suits me though - I'm glassphobic!

: Oops, was the second, the first one I found when I was a kid with
: steam bent oak ribs and recovered it.

Same with me, gotta admit my first boat was a f/g monster that weighed a ton. I can't believe I used to cartop that thing. A garage fire took it off to a happier place.

My current build has ribs, it's bit of a throwback but I love the look. The ribs are laminated not steamed - that has bit of a James Bond sound - they were formed and set up before stripping, so they acted as station molds. Very tricky getting them identical because with that method it's virtually impossible to fix an unfair hull.