: First kayak build!
: Well, finally getting ready to start first strips on my Spring Run
: kit this weekend, if not next week. Lots of things keep popping
: up to delay my project.
: Anyway, enough complaining!
: The kit came with a selection of mostly full length red cedar and a
: smaller bunch full length white cedar. There are also some
: shorter strips ... both light and dark.
: I know color/wood selection is up to the builder. I don't plan on
: any fancy, artistic patterns here ... something basic and
: attractive. I'll have to figure out a plan so it doesn't come
: out looking haphazard.

: So, looking for general advise on strip planning. Any
: "dos" and "do-nots" I should be aware of?

: I plan on stapling the hull and doing staple-less on the deck. I am
: thinking of picking out 1-2 dark strips, for each side, for the
: sheerline and working from there. I'll use most of the white
: cedar on the hull bottom I think.

: Anyway, would love to hear feedback, and stories.
: Thx,
: Rob

Rob, I am just finishing a Guillemot L, and , I decided to do the kayak staple-less construction, well almost. I only used staples on the sheerline, and to outline any features line strips around the cockpit. I wanted to make sure the strips did not move while stripping the kayak. On the sheerline and features lines I used darkest cedar strips. My thinking was the staple holes will darken when epoxy is applied, so I used Elmer multiple color wood fillers, and I found one that perfectly matched the dark cedar strips. You cannot tell where the staples hole are on my kayak unless you have a keen eye. I was planning on using Atlantic white cedar around the cockpit to form a saddle; however, I interlaced to much of the light strips on the bottom, so I had to order some more... no big deal..... Also, Nick's Guillemot website has numerous customer kayak pics.. This was a big help in selecting a design.. I also ask my granddaughter for help, and in fact she layout most of the deck pattern...contrasting a dark center strips with light strips on the deck.

Good luck and have fun!
Kevin