: Still less stress in the wood joints at the points where they have
: less bend, bow and stern, stronger to locate any joints there
: instead of in the middle of the boat where the stress and bend
: is biggest.

: Bill H.
It is true that the scarf joint will be stronger than the solid wood but I would think twice about putting a scarf near the ends of a canoe gunwale where there is likely the most curve, especially if steaming might be required to get the bend in the ends. The steaming or any heat will destroy the glue joint. The scarf will prohibit bending even if steaming is not required. In the middle of the canoe, I put the scarf running horizontal as this is against any curvature in the gunwale at that point so less stress on the joint.